Coal-oil production, which began in America during the mid-1850's,
had largely disappeared a half-dozen years later. Yet its influence on the
history of American illumination was much more significant than its short
life span would suggest. In adopting and modifying the techniques de-
veloped in connection with gas manufacture and lubricating oil produc-
tion, coal-oil operators laid the essential basis for petroleum distillation
and refining. No less important for the future petroleum industry were the
commercial patterns developed during the coal-oil era.

Coal oil, derived from a mineral base, offered a significant new source
for lamp illuminants, one that combined safety with the burning qualities
of premium lard or sperm oils, yet could compete more effectively on a
price basis with the highly dangerous camphene fluids. The marketing
channels through which coal oil was distributed and lamps for its use de-
veloped and sold were a major part of petroleum's heritage.

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