This brief but fascinating guide to the technology of lighting and fire making was first published in 1890 by an anonymous author. It covers a wide range of topics such as matches, candles, lamps, stoves, and heating systems, and provides historical and practical information on each. The book also includes illustrations and instructions for making homemade fire starters and related devices. This edition features a new foreword by a historian of technology.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.