ChrisGarrett
Flashlight Enthusiast
Since many of our flashlights can tail-stand like a candle, it's somewhat appropriate for this forum:
https://humanprogress.org/article.php?p=495
"It wasn't until the 18th century that spermaceti candles, which were made from a waxy substance found in the head cavities of sperm whales, and were much less time-consuming to produce, became more readily available. But even then, reading light remained very expensive (not to mention terminal for the whales). George Washington calculated that five hours of reading per night cost him £8 yearly - well over $1,000 in today's dollars."
Chris
https://humanprogress.org/article.php?p=495
"It wasn't until the 18th century that spermaceti candles, which were made from a waxy substance found in the head cavities of sperm whales, and were much less time-consuming to produce, became more readily available. But even then, reading light remained very expensive (not to mention terminal for the whales). George Washington calculated that five hours of reading per night cost him £8 yearly - well over $1,000 in today's dollars."
Chris