gas lights

Gas lights are lighting devices that use natural gas or coal gas burned within a controlled flame to produce illumination. Typically installed in homes, streets, and theaters before electric lighting became common, they consist of a pipe system delivering gas to an open flame fixture. The brightness and safety can be managed with valves and wicks. Gas lighting provided a more consistent and reliable source of light than candles or oil lamps, and its invention was a significant step in urban development and interior illumination in the 19th century.