Which fuels were commonly burned in lamps before the late 18th century?

Before the late 18th century, lamps primarily relied on various animal and vegetable-based fuels to provide illumination. Common fuels included:

• Vegetable oils: Such as olive oil.1
• Animal fats and oils: Including tallow, fish oil, and whale oil.12
• Waxes: Specifically beeswax.1

In addition to these liquid fuels used in lamps, other forms of lighting were prevalent. For instance, coal was increasingly favored for lighthouse illumination after 1550 due to its compact nature and longer burn time compared to wood fires. While candles were also a primary source of light during this era, they were distinct from the vessel-based lamp technology. These early lighting methods were often characterized by the production of significant smoke, which frequently obscured lantern panes.34