Everlasting Matches

Promethean Everlasting Matches were matches made of Umbeka wood. The heat from the flame made the wood grow as fast as the flame consumed it, so the match would never burn down. They were created by the Eternity Perpetual Company from the planet Umbeka. (TN: The Cabinet of Light, NSA: The Resurrection Casket) Some were made so that they produced a lemon scent when lit. (MA: Venusian Lullaby)

Usage

 * In his first incarnation the Doctor often carried a box of these matches. (TN: Time and Relative, MA: Venusian Lullaby) He once claimed to have invented them himself. (ST: The Exiles)
 * When the power went out in the TARDIS' wardrobe, the Fifth Doctor found everlasting matches to lit the way. (BFA: No Place Like Home)
 * The Seventh Doctor kept everlasting matches in the Jade Pagoda. (NA: Sanctuary)
 * In his eighth incarnation he often utilised them. (EDA: Kursaal, Seeing I, Demontage)
 * The Tenth Doctor was known to carry everlasting matches. (NSA: The Resurrection Casket, The Nightmare of Black Island, Martha in the Mirror)

Behind the scenes

 * Everlasting matches were first mentioned in the first Doctor Who novelisation Doctor Who in an Exciting Adventure with the Daleks by David Whitaker. The Eternity Perpetual Company was first mentioned in Carnival of Monsters.