Olajvilágítás

Olajvilágítás refers to the use of oil as a fuel source for illumination. This method of lighting was widely used throughout history before the advent of electricity. Various types of oil were employed, including animal fats, vegetable oils, and later, mineral oils like kerosene. The basic principle involved a wick, typically made of absorbent material like cotton, submerged in the oil and extending out of a container. When the wick was lit, it drew the oil up through capillary action, allowing the flame to burn and produce light.

The efficiency and quality of light varied depending on the type of oil and the design of the lamp. Early oil lamps were often simple pottery or metal vessels, while later designs incorporated features like chimneys to improve airflow and increase brightness, as well as reservoirs to hold more fuel for longer burning times. The development of lamps like the Argand lamp in the late 18th century marked a significant improvement, introducing a circular wick and glass chimney that greatly enhanced light output and reduced smoke.

Olajvilágítás played a crucial role in human civilization, enabling activities after dark, extending working hours, and facilitating social gatherings. Its widespread use persisted for centuries, only gradually being replaced by gas lighting and eventually electric lighting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, olajvilágítás is largely considered an antique or emergency lighting solution, though it continues to be used in some decorative and traditional contexts.