The lamp was invented by Sir Humphry Davy in 1816. It consisted of a glass cylinder, within which the flame was further encased in wire gauze so as to permit air to enter but prevent the flame escaping to ignite any inflammable gases which might be present in the mine air.

Davy’s invention has stood the test of time and has been the means of saving innumerable lives. The modern flame safety-lamp, although superior in illuminating power, still owes its safety to the basic principle discovered by him.