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The Carbide lamp

Water, stone and fire create light.

The carbide lamp is created around 1900. Carbide is a chemical compound that is produced by burning calcium and carbon. A carbide lamp contains a water tank from which water drips onto the carbide. A chemical reaction produces ethyne gas. The gas rises up toward a burning piece of soapstone and burns up. This results in a strong and clear white light. The advantage of this type of lights is that they continue to burn even if the bicycle stands still. Which comes in handy and is safe, as not all villages have streetlights at the time.