As discussed in the article “Gas lighting” on Wikipedia, gas lighting represents the art of producing artificial light through the combustion of fuel gases like hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, and others. This illumination can be achieved directly through the flame, often utilizing specialized gas mixes like propane or butane to enhance brightness. Alternatively, gas lighting can take an indirect route, involving components like gas mantles or limelights, where the gas serves primarily as a heat source for incandescence.
Before the widespread availability and affordability of electricity, gas lighting held sway as the primary method for both outdoor and indoor lighting in cities and suburbs where gas distribution infrastructure was practical. It relied on fuels like wood gas, coal gas, and water gas. Initially, lamplighters manually ignited early gas lights, although later designs became self-igniting.
Today, gas lighting finds its place in various applications, including camping, thanks to the high energy density of hydrocarbon fuels. For camping lights, the modular nature of canisters makes it possible to produce bright and long-lasting light without the need for complex equipment. Additionally, some urban historical districts retain gas street lighting, and gas lighting is used indoors and outdoors to create or preserve a nostalgic ambiance.
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