Match: Friction

A friction match is a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with a combustible chemical that ignites when scraped against a rough surface. First invented by accident in 1826 by English chemist John Walker , these "friction lights" allowed for the instant creation of fire without the need for a traditional tinderbox. History and Invention

Modern friction matches are generally categorized into two main types: friction match

: In 1826, John Walker was stirring a mixture of chemicals with a stick; when he scraped a dried blob of the mixture against his stone fireplace, it unexpectedly burst into flame. A friction match is a thin piece of

: Walker began selling his "friction lights" in April 1827. These original matches were about three inches long and used a mixture of antimony sulfide, potassium chlorate, gum, and starch. : Walker began selling his "friction lights" in April 1827

: Shortly after Walker's invention, others like Samuel Jones patented improved versions and marketed them as "Lucifers". These early matches were often volatile, sometimes dropping burning sulfur onto floors or clothing. Types of Friction Matches