Centuries of Inadequate Artificial Light Throughout the history of humankind there has been at times impressive mastery over natural resources to benefit people. Ships have carried humans around the world. Rocks and trees have been fashioned into magnificent structures. Crops and livestock were domesticated to better feed everyone. However, most of these great feats have had to occur during daylight hours since no one could master sunlight after sunset.
Fire has for thousands of years been the substitute for sunlight.
Though wood and various oils have been used since before the time of Jesus Christ, animal grease was often the fuel of choice for night illumination. Fire, however, is smokey and requires tending to make it useful. This fire principle of artificial light, though thousands of years old, was still in common use on the eve of United States independence. They best functioned to prevent a stubbed toe on the way to the bed chamber. The history of artificial lighting changed forever as a result of the 1787 English patent by John Miles.