The Probert Encyclopaedia of Science & Technology

MATCHES

The first lucifer matches, originated by Chancel in 1805, consisted of sticks tipped with a mixture of potassium chlorate and sugar, bound together by gum, and were fired by touching the tip upon concentrated sulphuric acid, which was carried separately in a bottle and soaked up in asbestos. These matches began to displace the tinder-box from about 1820, and they were the chief matches in vogue until the middle of the 19th century when their place was taken by friction matches.
Research Matches