Striking a Light: The Bryant and May Matchwomen and their Place in History

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It is unknown whether the touchwood belt described here was intended for use in firemaking, or possibly uncharred and kept as a medicinal (the material is an excellent styptic, used to staunch bleeding), or whether this is another fantastic element in the costume of the prophetess, for touchwood will sometimes glow with luminescence when decaying.

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I think that Annie Besant is given too much credit here. She did not lead the Matchwomen in their campaign. They organised themselves to campaign and strike without the help of middle class socialists. They were proper working class East End Women who could hold their own. Although Annie did write about their predicament. An interesting event which needs to be spoken about more, all the same. Cast about as it may, there is no way for Israel now to free itself from a hook that it baited itself. Viking Age Fire-Steels and Strike-A-Lights Dear Viking Answer Lady: How did the Vikings start their fires? OK, a fairly basic question but essential for cooking, heating, surviving! (signed) Hot To Know! Gentle Reader:

Other substances may also be charred and used as the spark-catching platform, including small pieces of "punky" or slightly rotten wood. In the Viking Age, apparently the preferred substance was called hnjóskr or fnjóskr, which is usually translated as "touchwood". Touchwood has a wide variety of names, but is technically a fungus of the Polyporus or Boletus family, especially Fomes fomentarius, Polyporus fomentarius or Boletus chirurgorum. Other terms used for this substance are amadou, punk, surgeon's agaric or oak agaric. How could a union be formed among the girls at Bryant and May? … Suppose a union was formed and the girls went on strike; the foreman would simply announce that so many hands were required at so much an hour, and their doors would be besieged within hours.” [ 4] Eastern-Type "Mounted Horsemen" Fire-Steel and Striking-Stone with Groove from Tuna in Alsike, Uppland While true touchwood does not grow in North America, apparently other shelf-fungi from birch trees will work as well. Experimentation with various tree fungi, using the preparation methods described for touchwood, should determine which fungi in your local area will work best. Fire-Making KitsThat fire-making was important in Viking society is certainly undeniable. For cooking, for warmth, for light, the fire was an indispensable part of civilization. It is unsurprising, as a result, that we find the fire-steel has a religious context as well as its practical one.