Hobbies And Interests
Carbide
In 1892, James T. Morehead and Thomas L. Wilson discovered carbide, a brownish gray substance.
Acetylene
When carbide was mixed with water, it exploded into flame. Further analysis showed that carbide and water produced a gas called acetylene, which is very flammable.
Lamps
In a few years, carbide was used as a light source in many places, although it did not replace candles completely.
Mining
H. Hooke, a mine inspector in New South Wales, invented the mine lamp in 1897.
Antiques
The first carbide cap lamps weighed about 4 ounces; they were 4 inches high and 1.5 inches in diameter, with two compartments: the upper held water, while the lower held carbide. It was controlled by a drip valve, and it also had a 3-inch reflector that directed the light.
Improvements
Modern carbide lamps have many more parts.