.: History of Candle Making
By:Coffee Man
Who invented the candle?
Candles were invented independently in many countries. The Egyptians and Cretans made candles from beeswax, about 3000 BC. In the fourth century BC there were clay candle holders in Egypt. Qui Shi Huang (259 - 210 BC) was the first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221 - 206 BC). His mausoleum was rediscovered in the 1990s 22 miles east of Xi'an in China and contained candles made from whale fat. In early China and Japan tapers were made with wax from insects and seeds, wrapped in paper. Wax from boiling cinnamon was used for temple candles in India. There is a fish called the "smelt" or candlefish, found from Oregon to Alaska. During the first century AD native Americans used oil from this fish. They put it on a forked stick then lit it. Excavations at Pompeii discovered several candelabra. The Latin word "candere" means to flicker. Yak butter was used for candles in Tibet. In Europe the earliest surviving candle was discovered near Avignon in France, from the first century AD. In 848 King Alfred used a candle-clock which burned for 4 hours. There were lines around the side to show the passing of each hour. Later, there were 24-hour candles. The Sung dynasty in China (960 - 1279) also used candle-clocks. By the 18th century, the Chinese put weights into the sides. As the candle melted, the weights fell off and made a noise as they fell into a bowl. A form of candle-clock was used in coal-mining until the twentieth century. The novel "Anthem" by Ayn Rand contains a scene in chapter VII, where there is a painting showing "the twenty men who invented the candle". This can only be fanciful.
The Middle Ages
During the middle ages, the popularity of candles is shown by their use in Candlemas and on Saint Lucy festivities. Tallow, fat from cows or sheep, became the standard material used in candles in Europe. The Tallow Chandlers Company of London was formed in about 1300 in London, and in 1456 was granted a coat of arms. By 1415 tallow candles were used in street lighting. The trade of the chandler is also recorded by the more picturesque name of "smeremongere", since they oversaw the manufacture of sauces, vinegar, soap and cheese. The unpleasant smell of tallow candles is due to the glycerine in it. For churches and royal events, candles from beeswax were used, as the smell was usually less unpleasant. Dating from about 1330, the Wax Chandlers Company acquired its charter in 1484. The first candle mould comes from 15th century Paris. The smell of the manufacturing process was so unpleasant that it was banned by ordnance in several cities. The first American colonists discovered that bayberries could be used to make candles, but the yield was very poor. 15 lbs of boiled bayberries would provide only 1 lb of wax.
new types of oil
Spermaceti is oil that comes from the sperm whale. From about 1750 it was used to provide very expensive candles. By 1800 a much cheaper alternative was discovered. Brassica campestris is derived from rape seed. It yields colza oil. This was the best candle yet, producing clear smokeless flames. The French chemists Michel-Eugene Chevreul (1786 - 1899) and Joseph-Louis Gay-Lussac (1788 - 1850) patented stearin, in 1811. Like tallow, this was derived from animals, but had no glycerine content. Joseph Sampson had the second patent ever granted in the United States. It was for a new method of candle-making in 1790. In 1806 William Colgate (1783 - 1857) (later famous for his "Soap and Perfumery Works") established a tallow factory in New York. By 1847 he had switched to making soap. There seems to be an ethical component of many nineteenth-century soap and candle manufacturers, as Colgate became involved with Bible Societies. James Wilson of Price's Candles were also concerned about promoting Christianity, and abolishing slavery. Following the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, there were celebration dances across Europe. It is sometimes said that more candles were burned in 1815 than in any year before or since. In 1834 Joseph Morgan began to industrialise the production of candles. He invented a machine to manufacture 1,500 per hour, from a mould.
Paraffin and palm oil
Paraffin is a waxy hydrocarbon, without any smell. A chemist called Laurent distilled it from schist in 1830, and another chemist Dumas, obtained it from coal-tar in 1835. Not until 1850 did it become commercially viable, when James Young filed a patent to produce it from coal. This was a major blow to the candle industry. From this point, candles became more of a decorative item. In 1829 William Wilson of Price's Candles invested in 1,000 acres of coconut plantation in Sri Lanka. His aim was to make candles from coconut oil. Later he tried palm oil from palm trees, but an accidental discovery swept all this aside. His brother George Wilson distilled the first petroleum oil in Burma in 1854. By 1922 Lever Brothers had bought Prices Candles and in 1922 a joint-owned company called "Candles Ltd" was created. The three owners are today better known as Shell Oil Company, BP and Burmah Oil. By 1991, the last remaining owner of "Candles Ltd" was Shell, who sold off the candle-making part of business.
The oldest candle manufacturers still in existence are Rathbornes Candles, founded in Dublin in 1488.
Article keywords: Beeswax, Candles, Candle wicks, Candle Stands
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
Candle Making directory at Serenity.
Article Submission done by: www.articles-submit.com
Courtesy of:Serenity Article Directory
.: New Hobbies Articles
1). Shopping For Radio Controlled Helicopter - Tips To Help You Choose
If you are looking for a radio-controlled helicopter, the most difficult question to answer is: "what should I buy?". Bear in mind that if you skip to answer this question, then you might be ending up with a one time flying experience. In other words, after you have bought and first flown your radio-controlled helicopter, you might not be able to fly it again.
2). Why I Do My Woodworking Using Hand Tools
Some woodworkers avoid hand tools at all costs. They think that they are outdated, less accurate and slower than the modern day machines. This simply is not true in most cases.
3). Ballerina Music Box - for Lovers of Music
A ballerina music box can make a perfect present for any woman. These boxes are so delicate and beautiful, and they are rather rare gifts. See how you can find a music box that will make you friend or family member smile every time she looks at it.
4). Starting Model Helicopter Hobby - How To Choose The Right Helicopter
Choosing the right one for you depends on these criteria. For example, if you want a cost effective helicopter strictly for personal use, you can take the Schweizer 300 or the Robinson R22 (helicopter for 2). It has basic comfort and few features. The exact opposite are the McDonnell-Douglas 500, Enstrom Shark, and the Agusta 109A. They are fast and more convenient to fly.
5). The Joy Of Boating
Listening to the sounds of the water flowing as your boat cruising on the lake or any water surfaces in the world can be truly enjoying...
6). Tips And Tricks For Phenomenal Winter Fly Fishing
Fly fishers come out in the spring, casting their fishing flies out over water in the early morning sun.
7). Learning To Play Guitar By The Ear
Learning how to play a guitar can be accomplished through different methods depending on your convenience and aptitude.
.: Top Hobbies Articles
1). Orchid Care - Phaleanopsis Orchids
--An introduction to Phalaenopsis orchids.
Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the easiest orchids to grow in the home. The name "phalaenopsis" comes from the Greek phalaina, meaning "moth" and opsis, meaning "like". For this reason this orchid goes by the nick name "Moth Orchid".
These orchids are very easy to grow and flower as long as care is given to recreate their natural growing environment as much as possible.
2). History of Candle Making
Who invented the candle?
Candles were invented independently in many countries. The Egyptians and Cretans made candles from beeswax, about 3000 BC. In the fourth century BC there were clay candle holders in Egypt. Qui Shi Huang (259 - 210 BC) was the first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221 - 206 BC). His mausoleum was rediscovered in the 1990s 22 miles east of Xi'an in China and contained candles made from whale fat.
3). Skydive To The End
A skydiver usually travels at the speed of 12,000 feet or 4000 meters altitude and free falling from the sky.
4). Yugioh Trading Card Game Etiquette: Rules For Respectful Play
The Yugioh trading card game has grown in popularity, with avid players in countries across the world. Dedicated players everywhere are familiar with the specific and elaborate set of rules of etiquette that govern an official round of battle. The official guide to the Yugioh trading card game urges players to proceed with much decorum. Here is a brief guide to exercising maximum Yugioh etiquette.
5). The Characters Of Yugioh
The wildly popular Yugioh franchise has spawned a number of popular characters that are familiar to fans worldwide. If you’re new to the world of Yugioh, here is a run-down of the most popular Yugioh characters.
The main character in the Yugioh series is Yugi Moto. On the outside, Yugi Moto appears to be a shy and reserved student at Domino High School, but he leads a secret life of danger and excitement.
6). Night Fishing for Speckled Trout
Fishing for speckled trout at night tips and lures for your next fishing adventure.
7). How to Use the Different Noises to Attract Deer
There are some who believed that deer could be called with some noise. And some even use what they called deer calls found in the market.