Because fire was so important to him, man kept on trying to make this
task easier. He finally contrived a tinder box when iron and steel
became known. The tinder box is where he kept his flint and the piece
of steel which he struck upon the flint. He also kept in the box pieces
of cloth or paper on which he caught the sparks so produced.]
[Illustration: PISTOL TINDER BOX
This is a picture of a tinder box in the form of a pistol. It enabled
man to produce sparks in greater numbers and more rapidly.]
[Illustration: PRODUCING SPARK WITH FLINT AND STEEL
This shows the method for striking the piece of steel against the flint
to make the sparks fall on the cloth or paper in the box.]
[Illustration: A COMPLETE TINDER BOX SET
This picture shows a very complete tinder box set used by the wealthy
people in the old days. A man carried this outfit with him just as
today he carries matches.]
[Illustration: This tinder box set is very neat and compact. It is said
still to be used among the Himalayan tribes where it was discovered.]
[Illustration: THE FIRST MATCHES