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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—P

Prometheans

The first invention which developed into Bryant and May's “safety matches.” They were originally made in 1805 by Chancel, a French chemist, who tipped cedar splints with paste of chlorate of potash and sugar. On dipping one of these matches into a little bottle containing asbestos wetted with sulphuric acid, it burst into flame on drawing it out. It was not introduced into England till after the battle of Waterloo. (See Hugh Perry.)

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Promise of Odin
Promethean Unguent
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More on Prometheans from Infoplease:

  • Promethean: meaning and definitions - Promethean: Definition and Pronunciation
  • Promethean - Promethean Capable of producing fire; pertaining to Prometheus (q.v.). Source: Dictionary of Phrase ...
  • Prometheans - Prometheans The first invention which developed into Bryant and May's “safety ...
  • Promethean Fire - Promethean Fire The vital principle; the fire with which Prometheus quickened into life his clay ...
  • Promethean Unguent - Promethean Unguent (The). Made from a herb on which some of the blood of Prometheus (3syl.) had ...

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