scottish lady

[Arranroots]

Hi again Kathleen

A 'lucifer' was an early type of match, so both boys were engaged in matchmaking - an unpleasant task, which was also risky to the health.

Phossy jaw was osteonecrosis of the jaw caused by exposure to white phosphorus during the manufacture of matches. “Lucifer” strike-anywhere matches were first produced in 1833. They were made by dipping the match ends into a mixture containing white phosphorus.3 Workers were exposed to fumes from the white phosphorus during mixing and spreading of the dip material, and dipping, drying and boxing of the matches.

From:  http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/183_03_010805/letters_010805_fm-2.html

There is also a very vivid account of the occupation on this site:

http://www.victorianlondon.org/

kind regards, Arranroots