An Argand lamp is a type of oil or gas lamp invented by Swiss inventor Aime Argand in 1780. The lamp was revolutionary for its time and significantly improved lighting compared to previous lamps available.
Features of the Argand lamp:
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Innovative burner system :
- The Argand lamp used a round, open, tubular burner with a cotton wrap (or wick) drawn through the oil or gas reservoir. Its key feature was the way the air was drawn around the wick.
- The burner had air intakes on the sides , which created two airflows : one from beneath the wick and one from the sides. This promoted combustion and produced a brighter and more efficient light.
- The lamp also featured a cylindrical glass shaft that protected the flame while improving airflow to the wick.
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Brighter light :
- Thanks to the unique design of the burner, the Argand lamp provided much more light than earlier oil lamps, which usually had a single open flame with no airflow control.
- This led to better lighting of interior spaces, and the lamp was often found in households , ships , and even inns .
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Use of oil or gas :
- The Argand lamp was originally powered by walnut oil or rapeseed oil , although it could later be adapted for gas lighting instead of oil.
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Round flame :
- The Argand lamp produced a rounder and more stable flame than the oil or candle lamps used earlier. This was possible due to the improved air circulation system.
Advantages of the Argand lamp:
- More Light : The design made it possible to produce a stronger and more efficient light than other oil or candle lamps used at the time.
- More even flame : The airflow around the wick made the flame brighter and more stable.
- Less Smoke : The Argand lamp's more efficient combustion system produced less smoke than traditional oil lamps, resulting in less soot buildup on walls and ceilings.
Influence of the Argand lamp :
- The Argand lamp was one of the first lighting devices to provide non-smoky , efficient lighting , and it is often seen as an important step towards the development of gas lighting and later electric lighting .
- It was widely used, especially in shipping , where it was installed in ship lighting, and in households in the 19th century. It allowed people to read or work more easily in their homes at night.
Aging of the Argand lamp :
Although the Argand lamp was an important advance in lighting, it was eventually supplanted by gas lamps and later electric lighting , which were both easier to use and more efficient.
In summary, the Argand lamp was a significant technological advancement in lighting technology, thanks to its efficient burner and brighter light than previous lamps. It was a significant step towards lighting as we know it today.