Kerosene lamp in modern version was invented just about 150 years ago by Ignacy Lukasiewicz. Lukasiewicz was born March 8, 1822 in Zaduszniki near Mielec. This town was then in the Austrian empire after the partition of Poland. His father was veteran of Kosciuszko Uprising. Lukasiewicz was involved in various political organizations supporting the idea of restoration of Polish sovereignty. He was arrested because of that, but released from the prison due to lack of evidence.
Lukasiewicz first worked as pharmacist's assistant, than he started studies on Krakow University, and at last graduated on University of Vienna.