Pre-Industrial Use of Oil and Energy

Before the industrial age, oil and energy were utilized in limited and traditional ways. Natural oil seeps were used for medicinal purposes, waterproofing boats, and as a lubricant. People harnessed energy primarily from renewable sources like wood, wind, and water. Whale oil also became popular for lighting. The focus was on local resources and simple technologies, with energy needs met through manual labor and basic tools. The advent of the industrial revolution, however, marked a shift as the demand for more efficient energy sources led to increased extraction and use of oil and coal, transforming economies and societies.