h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Thank you for the tip about vaseline and cotton swabs. That technique was new to me. A sure-'fire' way, although dangerous, is a handy can of aerosol deodorant and a lighter (rather useful if twigs or less cannot be found). What one does is: gather whatever wood can be found (eg; branches, logs, etc.), spray the 'starter' log until dripping slightly, but take care in not soaking your hand. place where fire is desired, pile wood on (preferably so it can breathe on it's own) and light. Voila. Feed as desired to keep it going, and bring out the marshmallows!

Bombay Lights.

You can still get them from camping shops and Army and Navy stores: these are like matches with far bigger, fatter, thermic-lance sort of heads that will strike in ANY weather conditions and hold their flame for up to a full minute - ample time to light a fire!

Think of Bryant and May with hyrdrocephalous.

Damn fine aticle, btw

Does anyone know where I can get the recipe for thermite. I know there's definitely Aluminium/aluminum and possibly iron oxide in it, but I don't know what the quantities are. It burns at a rather high temperature, so that would explain my interest in it.