Promethean (adj.)
"与普罗米修斯有关的，或以任何方式类似于普罗米修斯的"，来自1580年代的 Prometheus（见该词条）+ -an。在现代火柴（见 lucifer）出现之前， promethean 是指（1830年）装有硫酸的小玻璃管，周围包裹着易燃混合物，当被按压时点燃并提供方便的光源。相关： Prometheans。
Prometheans are small glass bulbs, filled with concentrated sulphuric acid, and hermetically sealed, and surrounded with a mixture of inflammable materials, amongst which the chlorate of potash forms one ; and the whole being again inclosed or surrounded with paper, also rendered still more inflammable by means of resinous matters. Upon pinching the end containing the glass bulb, between the jaws of a pair of pliers, the bulb breaks, and the sulphuric acid instantly kindles the surrounding materials. ["Arcana of Science and Art," London, 1830]
Prometheans 是小玻璃球，装有浓硫酸，密封，周围包裹着易燃材料混合物，其中包括高锰酸钾； 整个球体再次被纸包裹，通过树脂物质使其更易燃。用钳子夹住含有玻璃球的一端，球体破裂，硫酸立即点燃周围的材料。["科学与艺术的奥秘"，伦敦，1830年]
最早记录年份: 1580s