Matches

Phosphorus was first used for igniting other substances 1680. The first friction matches or lucifers were made 1827. They were tipped with sulphur and a mixture of gum, antimony sulphide, and chlorate of pota ium. Phosphorus matches were first made in 1833. At present many different combustible mixtures are used in the manufacture; all contain phosphorus. A common one is composed of 3 parts chalk, part lampblack, 5 parts glue, 1 part manganese dioxide, and 2-3 parts phosphorus. Safety matches usually consist of the chromate and chlorate of potash, minium and antimony trisulphide. The surface upon which they are ignited is made of antimony pent a sulphide and red phosphorus.