The Matchbook was invented in 1892 by Joshua Pusey, it wasn't created for safety but more for vanity, the matchbook is a folded piece of cardboard with an abrasive back side and cardboard matches

And when you strike the match against the abrasive side, it ignites and men used it to light cigars, light oil lamps, and other things like start a fire.

MATCHBOOK FACTS

• Children cause nearly 80,000 structure fires per year.
• Worlds largest matchstick stands 17 foot tall in Ohio

Joshua Pusey wasn't just an inventor, he was also an attorney, Joshua was born in 1842 and created the matchbook in 1892

WORKCITED

• http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/magazine/who-made-that-matchbook.html?_r=...
• http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/11563
• http://matchbookjournal.com
• http://explorepahistory.com/hmarker.php?markerId=1-A-39A