wrote:



MATCHES

...

The two basic types of match are those which may be scratched anywhere
versus the 'safety' type which can on be struck on an abrasive pad
treated with red phosphorus. The 'strike-anywhere' type are
preferred since there's no need to provide for the special
striking-surface.

The surprise came from hearing some folks insist that the
'strike-anywhere' type of match was not available, at least to
them. I assume they are the victim of some do-gooder regulation which
allows only the sale of 'safety-type' matches in their locale.

This "do-gooder' legislation is some of the oldest occupational
health and safety legislation around. As a schoolkid I remember
reading that the use of white phosphorous in kitchen mathes had
been banned to protect the workers from the terible effects of the
material. That is in the early 1960s (when I read it) I don't recall
any mention of how long ago they had been banned, but I do
recall that Ohio Blue tip (stirke anywhere) matches were always
availabel locally so maybe the ban was incomplete or had
been eroding since the developement of automated manufacturing.

...

Another surprise had to do with water-proofing a wooden match.
Everyone who mentioned water-proofing said that simply dipping the head
of the match into melted paraffin would do the trick. And they're
right. But no one mentioned the need to REMOVE the wax before trying
to strike the thing, causing me to suspect they were simply repeating
something they'd heard. The paraffin makes an excellent water
barrier but it's also a very good lubricant. Since ignition of the
match depends upon FRICTION, if you don't remove the wax (or at
least, most of it) you'll simply scrub the head off the match without
ever causing it to light.

Indeed, my brother and I didn't realize that when we tried out
the aterproof matches I had bought. He nicknamed them
'fireproof' matches.

--

FF