Oil lamps

Oil Lamps:

Sometimes the term "oil lamp" is applied to the modern kerosene lamp. Oil lamps have been used as a source of illumination since the discovery of fire, and are a very efficient, safe, and economical way of lighting an area. In ancient times they were probably the major source of household and public lighting for most people. Oil lights are portable and do not require expensive installation. Basically, oil lamps consist of a vessel which contains some oil, a wick, and possibly some device to hold the wick in the correct place. The vessel may be as simple as a shallow bowl or cup, or may be an elaborately shaped vessel (e.g. Aladdin's lamp). It may be made from glass, metal ceramic or stone. The wick is a braid of cotton fiber which soaks up the oil and burns. The wick can be draped over the side of the vessel (where it will drip onto the table or floor below unless you place a saucer beneath it) or a special device to hold up the wick can be constructed. Multiple wicks can be used to provide more light from the same lamp, the only consequence being that your oil runs out quicker.

Oil lamps can sit on a table (beware metal lamps may get hot bases), be held above the table by a candelabra (either singly or in groups), or can be hung from convenient objects. Oil lamps are an attractive choice outside giving off an attractive warm flickering light and some heat.

Lamp oil, liquid paraffin, kerosene, and citronella oil are fuels generally used and sold almost anywhere.

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