A predecessor of the match, small sticks of pinewood impregnated with sulfur, was developed in China in 577. The first modern match was invented in 1805 by K. Chancel, assistant to Professor L. J. Thénard of Paris. The head of the match consisted of a mixture of potassium chlorate, sulfur, sugar, and rubber. They were ignited by dipping the tip of the match in a small asbestos bottle filled with sulfuric acid. This kind of match was quite expensive and its usage was dangerous, so Chancel's matches never gained much popularity. Source: Wikipedia