Wells pneumatic oil lamps. 19th-century artwork showing three models of Wells lamps, a type of pneumatic oil lamp developed in the 1880s. Manual compr
Wells pneumatic oil lamps. 19th-century artwork showing three models of Wells lamps, a type of pneumatic oil lamp developed in the 1880s. Manual compressor pumps (handles visible here) were used to produce compressed air to provide the pressure that kept the oil flowing to the fierce, bright flame (top). These types of lamps were used on building sites and allowed work to continue through the night. They were used during the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal (1887-1893). Artwork from the 4th volume (second period of 1889) of the French popular science weekly 'La Science Illustree'.
Size: 4181px × 4348px
Photo credit: © Science Photo Library / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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