THE FIERY

EVOLUTION: A
HISTORICAL
JOURNEY OF
MATCHSTICKS
 INTRODUCTION
Matchsticks have been used for centuries as
a source of fire. From the earliest days of
civilization, people have relied on matches to
ignite flames for warmth, cooking, and light.
Join us on a historical journey of the fiery
evolution of matchsticks.
DISCOVERY OF FIRE
The discovery of fire was a turning point in
human history. It allowed early humans to
cook food, stay warm, and ward off
predators. The first matches were likely
made from sticks rubbed together to create
a spark. However, it wasn't until the 19th
century that matches as we know them today
were invented.
PHOSPHORUS MATCHES

In 183, a chemist named John Walker

invented the first friction match. It was made
from a mixture of potassium chlorate and
antimony sulfide. However, these matches
were dangerous and often exploded. In
1855, Swedish chemist Gustaf Erik Pasch
invented the first safe match using
phosphorus.
 SAFETY MATCHES
In 1815, a Swedish match company called
Jönköping Safety Match invented the first
safety matches. These matches could only
be lit by striking them on a special surface,
which made them much safer than previous
matches. The tip of the match was coated
with a mixture of potassium chlorate and
sulfur, and the striking surface was coated
with red phosphorus.
MATCHSTICK MANUFACTURING

Matchsticks are made from softwood trees such

as aspen and pine. The wood is cut into small
sticks and then dipped into a mixture of sulfur
and phosphorus. The sticks are then dried and
packaged. Today, most matchsticks are made
by machines, but some are still made by hand.
 CONCLUSION
Matchsticks have come a long way since their invention in the 19th
century. From dangerous and explosive early matches to the safe and
reliable matches we use today, matchsticks have played an important role
in human history. We hope you enjoyed this historical journey of the fiery
evolution of matchsticks.
Thanks!