A friction match is a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with a combustible chemical that ignites when scraped against a rough surface. First invented by accident in 1826 by English chemist John Walker , these "friction lights" allowed for the instant creation of fire without the need for a traditional tinderbox. History and Invention
Modern friction matches are generally categorized into two main types: friction match
: Shortly after Walker's invention, others like Samuel Jones patented improved versions and marketed them as "Lucifers". These early matches were often volatile, sometimes dropping burning sulfur onto floors or clothing. Types of Friction Matches A friction match is a thin piece of