Why do matchsticks burn?

In olden times people used to create fire by rubbing stones. This was followed by some easy tricks and matches were borne in mind. The first modern self-burning matches were made by Jean Chancel in 1805. After this, matches were made by John Walker of England in 1827. It was called the Friction Match Box. It was made by applying glue, starch, antimony sulfide, potassium chlorate on a piece of wood, but it was not safe. Earlier matchsticks had to be made by hands and spices were applied on its end with hands. Packed match boxes were introduced during 1940–50. Gelatin is used for coating phosphorus at the ends of matchsticks. These sticks are used by placing them in a small cardboard box. A frictionless surface is formed on the top of the box itself, on which a fire of rub is produced.