Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-08-20

ta''t'E||IlTJ|I5||,ll +.
VI
BLOCK MATCHES.

The first United States patent for friction
matches was issued in 1886. Spiints for them
we're made BY saving or splitting blocks Of
wood into siiyers slightly attached at the base,
the whole bunch being dipped at once into
chlOrate OF potash. These were known al
slab" or block" matches. and they are in
favor in parts of this country a,
the present day, notably in Maine.
Their chief advantages are that they are noise
less and will not leave mark when scratched
upon a white wall. The first ''lucifer matches
were made by dipping sphnts first into melted
sulphur and then into q paste Of chlorate OF
potash and sulphide Of anthony mixed with
gum water. Each paper box contained about
100 matches and two pieces of fine sandpaper.
They were lighted by folding the sandpaper
over the end and giving the match quick pull.
Thew we're manufactured in England early as
1888 and a common name for them was ''loco-
focos.' The composition used in many Of the
early chlo-ate of potash lucifers melted and
dropped while burning, but this defect was soon
remedied
The next step was to employ phosphorus,
rendering matches easily ignitible with lower
temperature and less exeTtion. A phosphorus
match will ignite at 140 degrees. while it is
probable that the lucifer required at least 200
degrees. The use of phosphorus for matches
dates probably from 1882, being 172 years after
the discovery of that element by Brandt. Ham,
burg chemist. But the manufacture of phos-
phorus matches was attended with great danger
to the workmen from the fumes. which caused
decay of the bones of the jaw. Many persons
were poisoned from carelessness in handling
them and numerous CONGREGATIONS occurred on
account of the case with which they were ig-
nited The ..parlor match"-its name signff-
cant that other matches were hardly suitable
for that section OF the house-had it's origin
with the manufacture. in 1913. of Schrotter's
red OF anorphous phosphorus This produc,
is of u scarlet-red color. has neither odor nor
taste. IS not poisonous and does not take fire at
ordinary temperatures.
The latest important invention in matches
secures tn separation of the chemicals. which
in combination are always more or less danger
Gus. Thus is obtained the safety match "
which was invented bv a Swede named Lund-
strom III 1855. The head Of the safety match
contains chlorate of potash and sulphur, while
the friction paper is spread with paste OF
amorphous phosphorus and anthony. This is
q return to first principles. IS shown in the
splin:s and acid of the light box" There are
many odd varieties of matches now in vogue,
such as the ''Vestas," OF which the splint is
waxed cord: fusees for lighting in a wind. with
Il thick. short splint tipped with large mass Of
chlorate of potash composition; natural gas"
matches, with a very long splint for lighting
natural gas fires, and many others.
The production of matches has grown to q
manufacture Of enormous and rapidly increas-
ing proportions. Making of splints in great
quantities began with the invention of Reuben
Partridge's splint-cutting machine. Previously
matches had been cut by hand by means Of q
collection of blades. Now the splints are forced
through dies TO give them q round shape.
Splint cutting is at present a separate industry.
The splints are sold by hogsheads to the match
factories. aud one machine will cut 10 900 900 q
day. Electricity. however, seems destined to
limit the use of matches. Lighting gas by cleo
tric;tv has been accomplished for some years,
and the gas jets Of most large audience rooms,
theaters and churches in this country are lighted
BY electricity by the pressure Of button. In
residences with modern improvements gas car
be lighted in the halls and rooms on different
floors from a switchboard situated at a conve-
nient location. Some day practical portable
electric lighter may be devised.