This substance, since the general use of lucifer-matches, has become
an important article of manufacture; whereas, but a few years ago,
it was a mere chemical curiosity. It is prepared by mixing bone ashes
with sulphuric acid, straining off the liquid part, and evaporating
it to a syrupy consistence; with this, about a quarter of its weight
of powdered charcoal is mixed, and the whole stirred and evaporated
to a dry powder; this is put into earthenware retorts, which are
connected by copper tubes to receivers filled with water; the retorts
are raised to a white heat and maintained at this high temperature
as long as any phosphorous passes into the receivers, the water in
which is kept warm, so that the phosphorous melts and runs to the
bottom, from whence it is taken and strained through chamois leather
bags, under warm water, and then cast in glass tubes into sticks.
Phosphorous is of a whitish color, like wax, is easily melted,
readily takes fire even by slight friction, and, in the air, gives
off fumes which in the dark appear luminous. It is chiefly used in
the manufacture of lucifer matches, and, mixed with flour, butter, or
sugar, is used to poison rats, mice, and other vermin, under the name
of “phosphorous paste.” Phosphorous is poison, and most dangerous
stuff to handle, minute particles often getting under the nails and
causing painful sores.