Electric lighting is something many people today take for granted. Humans have always used a variety of techniques to get the light source they needed, but no invention was as successful as the light bulb. During the 18th century, candles and oil lamps illuminated most homes. While they were able to emit some sort of light, there were many drawbacks. They often lit houses on fire, created foul smelling smoke, and only gave off a small amount of light. The wealthy typically used beeswax candles and the middle class made makeshift candles out of animal fat and reeds. The 19th century brought the gift of gas lighting, which quickly replaced candles and oil lambs in homes across Europe and America. Gas lamps were cheaper, brighter, and safer
