Petroleum#

Kerosene, paraffin oil, hydrocarbon oil derived from petroleum, the most important lighting fuel (kerosene lamps) from the middle of the 19th century up to the introduction of gas lighting and the use of electricity. The storage capacity of the wick sufficed to ensure constant and adequate luminosity. In addition, paraffin oil was used for heating purposes and to operate farm engines, which were, however, soon superseded by diesel engines.