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LUCIFER MATCHES 



stages comprise the grinding, muilering, and mixing of the explosive compound ; the 

 process of dipping the matches in it, the counting and boxing. The dipping, counting, 



and packing appear to be, according to Mr. Geist, the only departments in which the 

 workpeople are in any way affected with peculiar complaints ; we would even limit 

 the appearance of the jaw-disease to those engaged in dipping at least, all that we 

 have examined on the subject were unanimous as to the fact that dippers only were 

 attacked. There is a certain degree of secrecy observed relative to the proportions of 

 the composition ; and the mixture of the materials is generally performed by the pro- 

 prietor of the manufactory, or by a confidential workman. Chlorate of potash is 

 considered an essential ingredient in England ; but in the manufactories at Niirnberg 

 it has not been employed for a number of years, as its explosive properties much en- 

 dangered the safety of the buildings and the limbs of the workmen. 



The composition used in Niirnberg consists of one-third of phosphorus, of gum- 

 arabic (which is eschewed by English manufacturers on account of its hygrometric 

 property), of water, and of colouring-matter, for which either minium or Prussian blue 

 is employed. If ignition be required without a flame, the quantity of phosphorus is 

 diminished, or nitrate of lead is added. The mixing is conducted in a water-bath ; and 

 during this process, and as long as the phosphorus is being ground or ' mullcred,' 

 copious fumes are evolved. The dipping is performed in the following manner : The 

 melted composition is spread upon a board covered with cloth or leather, and the 

 workman dips the two ends of the matches alternately that are fixed in the frame ; 

 and as this is done with great rapidity, the disengagement of fumes is very consider- 

 able, and the more liable to be injurious, as they are evolved in a very concentrated 

 form close to the face of the workman. This department is generally left to a single 

 workman ; and the average number that he can dip in an hour, supposing each frame 

 to hold 3,000 matches, would bo 1,000,000. 



As the matches have been dipped, they require to be dried. This is generally 

 done in the room in which the former process is carried on ; and as a temperature of 

 from 80 to 90 Fahr. is necessary, the greatest quantity of fumes is evolved at this 

 stage. When the matches are dried, the frames are removed from the drying-room, 

 and the lucifers are now ready to be counted out into boxes. As this is done with 

 great rapidity they frequently take fire, and, although instantly extinguished in the 

 sawdust or the water which is at hand, the occurrence gives rise to an additional and 

 frequent evolution of fumes. 



The composition of lucifer matches varies greatly, as it regards the proportions of 

 the materials employed. In principle they are, however, as we have described them 

 above ; everything depending on the ignition of the phosphorus, and the perfection of 

 a lucifer match is in tipping the match with a composition which will ignite quietly 

 upon attrition against any rough surface, but which is not liable to ignition by such 



