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.

Author: Delimata under GNU Free documentation license

In 1853 he made first modern kerosene lamp to illuminate emergency surgical operation in local hospital. This date is considered as starting point of a modern industry. Lukasiewicz not only invented lamp but also built first modern street lamp in Europe, constructed first oil well in Poland and, what is most important, he and Jan Zeh together distilled clear kerosene from oil seep (as the first in the world).

Ignacy Lukasiewicz was not only inventor and bussinesmen. He was also great patriot and social worker. He built hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and supported the January Uprising and financed help for the Polish refugees.

Ignacy Lukasiewicz - kerosene lamp inventor