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Re: which vegetable oil was cultivated for lamp fuel?



> Alan Horowitz wrote:
> > Let me re-phrase the question, to attack it from a different angle.
> > Sperm whale oil replaced - which illumination fuel?
> Mainly animal tallow, I believe (i.e rendered animal fat). 
> Linseed (flax seed) was commonly used to produce oil, but I do not know
> whether this was a common lighting oil.
> Fran Kemmish

The way I remember it, whale oil was the 'upscale' illuminant because it was
much less smoky than coal oil, but I don't believe it 'replaced' any fuel.
It is probable that examination of the specific heat value of the various fuels
could be instructive.

Magrathea



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