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.