HEATING THE HOME 



Means of starting fires. In the early times fires were 

 kindled by rubbing two sticks together. A great improve- 

 ment was made on this method when sparks were formed by 

 striking a flint against an iron ore, called pyrites. This 

 method was commonly used till a little less than a century 

 ago, when matches were first made. When a match is drawn 

 across a rough surface, the friction generates enough heat to 

 set fire to the substance on the tip of the match, which then 

 ignites the wood. Sulfur and 

 phosphorus have been com- 

 monly used because they 

 ignite at a low temperature. 

 With these is usually mixed 

 some compound that con- 

 tains oxygen, so that the sul- 

 fur will burn more readily. 

 Until recently yellow phos- 

 phorus was one of the sub- 

 stances commonly used to tip 

 matches. This is a dangerous 

 element to handle and has a 

 very injurious effect on the 

 people who make the matches, 



FIG. 4. Primitive method of making 

 fire by friction. 



causing a disease of the bones which usually proves serious. 

 The use of this kind of phosphorus has been forbidden by 

 law, and in its place a harmless compound of phosphorus is 

 now used. 



In safety matches the harmless red phosphorus is used. 

 This is placed on a rough striking surface so that the match 

 can be ignited only by rubbing it on this specially prepared 

 surface. These are much less dangerous than the ordinary 

 match, as there is less danger of accidental fires, such as 

 may occur when mice gnaw matches and ignite them. While 

 it may be a little more trouble to use safety matches, this is 

 more than repaid by the lessened danger from fires. 



