Up to the early 19th century, the ability to light up one's home at night was a luxury reserved only for the wealthy. Dependent on lamps fueled by materials such as whale oil, lighting was unaffordable for most people during the night. Then, in 1846, a demonstration in Prince Edward Island, Canada, was about to literally light up the world and significantly impact daily life, economic activities, and social practices globally.
That evening, geologist and medical doctor Abraham Gesner produced a clear fluid by distilling coal, which, when used in a lamp, produced a pale yellow light. He named the fluid kerosene, from the Greek " keroselaion ," meaning wax oil. Although coal was still expensive, it was later discovered that petroleum could be used in the same way, greatly reducing the cost of lighting and sparking the beginning of human interest in "black gold", spurring the growth of petroleum extraction and refining.
The widespread adoption of kerosene lamps in the mid-to-late 19th century extended productive hours into the evening and enhanced the safety and quality of nighttime lighting. Unlike its predecessors, kerosene produced a cleaner burn, reducing the smoke and odor that were common nuisances with other fuels. This innovation played a pivotal role in social and economic changes, enabling longer working hours, more flexible study times, and new forms of evening entertainment and social gatherings.
The kerosene revolution exemplifies how a single technological advancement can have far-reaching effects on society. It transformed the night into a more usable and enjoyable time and paved the way for future innovations in lighting and energy.
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