did you know...

First matchstick was made in 1855

n In 1680, Robert Boyle rubbed phosphorous-coated paper with and sulphur-coated wood and created fire. However, there was no useable match created by Robert Boyle.

n In 1827, John Walker, discovered that if he coated the end of a stick with certain chemicals and let them dry, he could start a fire by striking the stick anywhere. These were the first friction matches. The chemicals he used were antimony sulphide, potassium chlorate, gum, and starch.

n In 1855, safety matches were patented by Johan Edvard Lundstrom of Sweden. Lundstrom put red phosphorus on the sandpaper outside the box and the other ingredients on the match head, creating a match that could only be safely lit off the prepared, special striking surface.

— Compiled by Gaurav Sood