358 Mr. F. A. Abel on some results of Experiments 



The compositions with which these matches are tipped consist 

 mainly of chlorate of potassa, sulphide of antimony and glass, 

 red lead and binoxide of manganese being additional constituents. 

 The amorphous phosphorus, mixed with a small quantity of glass- 

 powder, is attached to the surface of the box by means of gum. 



IV. In the preparation of the older variety of cigar lights, 

 known as fusees, nitrate of potassa appears to be extensively 

 employed. The brown paper composing the match is impreg- 

 nated with saltpetre (some were found to contain, besides, a con- 

 siderable proportion of chloride of sodium, which may have 

 existed in the crude saltpetre employed, or have been added on 

 account of its ready fusibility, whereby the ash of the match is 

 rendered firmer, and less liable, therefore, to fall away while glow- 

 ing). The igniting composition with which these matches are 

 tipped consists of nitrate of potassa, ordinary phosphorus, and a 

 small quantity of vermilion. 



V. The other class of cigar lights (known as Vesuvians, Etnas, 

 Stars, &c.) consist, as is well known, of three parts — the support 

 or handle (of wood or glass), the ball or thick coating which con- 

 stitutes the body of the match, and the igniting composition 

 with which this is tipped. The latter resembles the composi- 

 tions which are applied to the ordinary Congreve or Vesta 

 matches; the bodies of these cigar lights vary somewhat in 

 composition ; they generally consist of chlorate of potassa, coal- 

 or coke-dust, some binding material, and in some instances an 

 admixture of clay or brickdust, and of an aromatic substance. 



[Memoranda relating to the influence of Heat and of Friction or 

 Percussion upon Matches. 



It need scarcely be observed that great differences exist between 

 the temperatures at which the igniting material of different 

 matches will inflame spontaneously, and in the degree of facility 

 with which they are ignited by friction and percussion. 



The degree of sensitiveness of a match to ignition by heat only 

 was determined by its exposure to gradually ascending tempera- 

 tures, both in an air-bath and in a very confined space surrounded 

 by heated water ; and also by rapidly plunging the tip of the 

 match into, and again withdrawing it from, heated mercury. For 

 reasons which will be evident from some of the following state- 



materials composing the igniting or detonating composition employed in 

 these fuses, and their mixture is effected by the aid of sufficient alcohol to 

 convert the mass into a paste. The material thus obtained, and protected 

 additionally (after it has been placed in its receptacle) by a coating of shell- 

 lac varnish, resists effectually the most searching and protracted exposure 

 to moisture, even at elevated temperatures. 



