A match is a tool for starting a fire. Typically, matches are made of small wooden sticks or stiff paper. One end is coated with a material that can be ignited by friction generated by striking the ma
Igniting a match on the striking strip of a matchbox
The Alchemist in Search of the Philosophers Stone (1771), by Joseph Wright, depicting Hennig Brand discovering phosphorus.
Sulfur-head matches, 1828, lit by dipping into a bottle of phosphorus
A matchbook is a small paperboard folder comprising a matchcover, a quantity of matches, and a coarse striking surface on the exterior. The cover is opened to access the matches, which are attached in
Match
…striking the match against a suitable surface. Wooden matches are packaged in matchboxes, and paper matches are partially cut into rows and stapled into matchbooks. The coated end of a match, known as the match "head", consists of a bead of active ingredients and binder, often colored for easier inspection. There…
Supersonic Matchbook (1985-1986 given on Concorde)
Matchbook cover, World War II, Uncle Sam