Background and Identification

Lighters are magical devices that would surely give you wizard-like credibility if you brought one with you on your next time travel adventure. While we might take them for granted today, they allow humans to make fire with just a flick of a finger which, if you ask your ancestors, is pretty astounding. Lighters generate flames that can then be used to light candles, ignite stoves, light fireworks, etc. There are various kinds of lighters, including jet lighters, electric arc lighters, automobile lighters, match lighters, permanent matches, flameless lighters, catalytic lighters, etc.

The first lighter was invented in 1823 by a German chemist named Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner. Since this early invention, lighters have become both safer and more portable. Lighters today are relatively inexpensive and are sold by a variety of manufacturers.

Lighters are often cylindrical in shape with a trigger at one end. Some lighters have a cap that closes over the top of the device. Alternatively, some lighters are longer and have the trigger housed in a curved body. These lighters also have a tube that extends a few inches past the device body. Lighters come in various colors and patterns and some are even customizable.

Additional Information

• Wikipedia: Lighter

• Lighters (Amazon)

• BIC Lighters