It ranks as one of the most important inventions. Since the invention of the lamp thousands of years ago, people have not had to depend entirely on the sun for light.
Lamps enable people to work and to take part in countless other activities by artificial light.
Through the centuries, people have made many kinds of lamps. Today, people use electric lamps almost entirely. Some people keep other kinds in case electricity is not available. Fat or oil lamps produce light by burning fat, grease, oil, or wax as fuel. These lamps have a wick that performs two functions.