The word "allumette" is derived from the Old French word "alumete", which itself comes from the Latin word "alumen" meaning "alum".
Meaning: An allumette is a small, thin stick made of wood or cardboard that has one end coated with a combustible substance, typically a mixture of phosphorus, potassium chlorate, and sulfur. When struck against a rough surface, friction creates heat that ignites the combustible substance, producing a flame.
Early Use of Alum: The use of alum in fire-starting dates back to ancient Egypt, where alum was used to create sparks when struck with iron.
Sulphur Matches: In the early 17th century, sulphur matches were invented. These matches consisted of a wooden stick dipped in sulfur, which was ignited by striking it against a rough surface.
Phosphorus Matches: In 1680, Hennig Brand, a German alchemist, discovered phosphorus. In 1826, John Walker, an English chemist, created the first friction match by coating a wooden stick with phosphorus. However, these matches were highly flammable and dangerous to handle.
Modern Allumette: In 1830, Samuel Jones, a British chemist, invented the "lucifer match". These matches were made of wood and coated with a mixture of phosphorus, potassium chlorate, and sulfur. They were safer and more convenient to use than earlier matches.
The name "allumette" became widely used in the 19th century to refer to these modern friction matches. Over time, the spelling evolved from "alumete" to "allumette".
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