The Evolution of Lighting: From Candles to Electric Light

🕯️In the 18th and 19th century, lighting was crucial and difficult, with three main sources of light: open fires, oil lamps, and candles.

💡The lighting industry and trades related to it were significant economic drivers, creating jobs and generating revenue through taxes.

🕰️Different candles were used based on social status, including expensive spermaceti candles for the rich and tallow candles for the poor.

🔥Candle wicks evolved from simple strings to braided wicks, allowing for better control and consistency in candle burning.

🔦Oil lamps also played a significant role in lighting, with different types and regulations on the fuel used, such as waste oils and tallow.

What were the three main sources of light in the 18th and 19th century?

—The three main sources of light were open fires, oil lamps, and candles.

What were the different types of candles used?

—Different candles were used based on social status, including spermaceti candles for the rich, beeswax candles for the affluent, and tallow candles for the poor.

How did candle wicks evolve over time?

—Candle wicks evolved from simple strings to braided wicks, allowing for better control and consistency in candle burning.

What were some regulations on lighting in Great Britain?

—In Great Britain, there were regulations on the type of oil used in oil lamps and taxation on candles and candle wax.

What were the different types of oil lamps used?

—Oil lamps used various types of oil, including waste oils from the kitchen, such as bacon grease, due to their affordability.

00:00In the 18th and 19th century, lighting was crucial and difficult, with three main sources of light: open fires, oil lamps, and candles.

03:20Different candles were used based on social status, including expensive spermaceti candles for the rich and tallow candles for the poor.

04:47Candle wicks evolved from simple strings to braided wicks, allowing for better control and consistency in candle burning.

09:15Oil lamps played a significant role in lighting, with different types and regulations on the fuel used, such as waste oils and tallow.

11:46Lighting industry and trades related to it were significant economic drivers, creating jobs and generating revenue through taxes.