Phosphorus-necrosis of the jaws / by J. Ewing Mears.

  • Mears, J. Ewing (James Ewing), 1838-1918.
Date:
1886
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Phosphorus-necrosis of the jaws / by J. Ewing Mears. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    to assist friction, a coloring agent, and the best quality of Irish glue to give the mixture body and adhesive properties. The tipping of the stick by the chemical composition is accomplished by dipping the ends in a warm solution of the composition, placed in shallow pans, and maintained at the proper temperature by a steam-bath. From these dipping pans fumes constantly rise into the faces of the workmen or dippers. Both ends of the match- sticks are dipped, and after being allowed to dry sufficiently to permit handling, which is accomplished in four to six hours, the sticks are passed through the cutting machines and divided. In passing through the cutting machines the friction is often sufficient to cause ignition of large bundles of matches, the fumes from which envelop the cutters and keep them almost constantly surrounded by the vapor from burning tips. From the cutting machines the matches go to the packing-rooms, where they are assorted and packed, this process requiring the handling of the tips, not yet thoroughly dry, and from which vapor is constantly emitted. In addition, ignition of the matches frequently occurs, filling the