Brooke Martin
The 18th century saw a shift in candle-making with the growth of the whaling industry, making spermaceti, a waxy substance derived from sperm whales, widely available. Spermaceti candles burned longer, brighter, and did not produce an unpleasant odour like their predecessors. Before the 18th century, candles were primarily made from tallow (animal fat) and beeswax. Beeswax candles were more expensive and thus limited to the wealthy, while tallow candles were more widely used due to the accessibility and affordability of animal fat.
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What You'll Learn
Spermaceti candles
In the 18th century, candles were primarily made from tallow and beeswax in Europe. However, the growth of the whaling industry during this period led to the emergence of spermaceti candles.
Spermaceti is a waxy substance found in the head cavities of sperm whales, with smaller quantities present in the oils of other whale species. It is created in the spermaceti organ inside the whale's head, which can contain up to 1,900 litres (500 US gallons) of spermaceti. Whalers have extracted this substance since the 17th century, and it has various human applications, including candle-making.
The production and sale of spermaceti candles were closely tied to the whaling industry. Whalers would hunt sperm whales, cut off their heads, and extract the raw spermaceti, which was then processed into candle wax. This practice had devastating consequences for sperm whale populations, leading to a significant decline in their numbers.
As awareness of the negative environmental impact of whaling grew, ethical concerns arose, and demand for spermaceti candles decreased. By the 19th century, alternative materials, such as paraffin and stearin candles, gained popularity, contributing to the decline of the spermaceti candle market.
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Tallow candles
The process of making tallow candles involved candlemakers, or chandlers, going from house to house to make candles from kitchen fats saved for that purpose. Alternatively, chandlers made and sold their own candles from small candle shops.
The 18th century saw the growth of the whaling industry, which led to the discovery of spermaceti—an oil derived from sperm whales that could be crystallized into wax. Spermaceti candles burned brighter and cleaner than tallow candles, and they didn't produce an unpleasant odour. They also had a higher melting point, making them ideal for use in warmer climates. As a result, spermaceti became a widely used alternative to tallow for candle-making during this time.
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Beeswax candles
The process of making beeswax candles evolved over time, and by the 18th century, the dipping method, which is still used today, was developed. In this method, the wick is repeatedly dipped in molten wax or fat until the candle reaches the desired size. Beeswax candles were widely used for church ceremonies and gained significance in their decorative, symbolic, and ceremonial uses.
In the 19th century, with the invention of the electric lightbulb, the popularity of beeswax candles began to decline. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of beeswax candles due to an increased interest in natural and sustainable products. Beeswax candles are now produced using traditional methods by local beekeepers and artisans. They are also non-toxic and safe for pets, making them a popular choice for households with animals.
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Colza and rapeseed oil candles
The 18th century saw the growth of the whaling industry, which led to the widespread use of spermaceti, an oil derived from sperm whales, in candle-making. Spermaceti was the first candle substance to be mass-produced, and it produced a brighter light without an unpleasant odour. However, by 1800, a more affordable alternative was discovered in the form of colza and rapeseed oil candles.
Colza oil, derived from Brassica campestris, and rapeseed oil, produced clear, smokeless flames when burned. These vegetable oils were a cheaper alternative to the previously used animal fats and spermaceti wax. Rapeseed oil, in particular, has a long history of use in lighting applications. In the 13th century, it was documented to be used in oil lamps in Northern Europe, and it continued to be a preferred choice for lighting in train pot lamps and railway coaches in the United Kingdom until the adoption of gas and electric lighting.
Rapeseed oil, also known as colza oil in commercial non-food varieties, has been used for lighting since ancient times. Its use can be traced back 4,000 years in India and 2,000 years in China and Japan. Rapeseed oil was also used in lighthouses before the introduction of mineral oil. The oil was favoured due to its lower cost compared to whale oil when used with the Argand burner.
The discovery of colza and rapeseed oil as alternatives for candle-making marked a shift towards more affordable and accessible lighting options. These vegetable oils played a significant role in the transition from traditional animal-based and spermaceti wax candles to more economical and environmentally friendly alternatives. Today, rapeseed oil continues to be used in various non-food applications, including industrial lubricants, biodiesel, and cosmetics, showcasing its versatility and importance beyond its culinary uses.
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Stearin candles
In the 18th century, the whaling industry brought about the discovery of spermaceti, an oil sourced from the head of the sperm whale. Spermaceti was used to make candles, as it was found to be stiffer and less odorous than tallow. However, the production process for spermaceti candles was rigorous and lengthy, making them expensive and inaccessible to most people.
In the early 19th century, stearin candles were introduced. These were made from stearic acid, which French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul discovered could be extracted from animal fatty acids. Stearin candles were harder and more durable than other candles, and they burned cleanly. They were manufactured in several European countries, including France, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, and England.
Stearin is a purified animal fat that is derived from tallow. Initially, stearin candles were produced by cold-pressing tallow to remove the olein. The remaining solid material, stearin, was then made into candles. However, in the early 19th century, chemists introduced the saponification process, which allowed for the separation of saturated fatty acids from the liquid portion of fats such as tallow. This process revolutionized the candle-making industry, as fatty acid preparation for candle manufacture became an important chemical industry.
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Frequently asked questions
In the 18th century, candles were primarily made of tallow and beeswax in Europe. Tallow candles were cheaper and more widely used, while beeswax candles were more expensive and limited to the wealthy and the Church.
Yes, there were some alternative materials used for candle-making during this period. With the growth of the whaling industry, spermaceti, a substance derived from sperm whales, became widely used for candle-making. Spermaceti candles burned longer, brighter, and did not produce an unpleasant smell like tallow candles. Additionally, colonial women in America discovered that boiling bayberries produced a sweet-smelling wax, but the process was tedious and these candles eventually fell out of favour.
While scented candles existed in ancient China and other parts of the Far East, they were not common in the 18th century. Western candles were not intentionally scented to make a room smell nice. Instead, scents were sometimes added to mask the foul odour of candles made from animal fats. Vanilla, for example, was a precious ingredient that would not have been wasted on candles.
