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Paraffin wax was first created by Carl Reichenbach in Germany in 1830 and marked a major advancement in candlemaking technology, as it burned more cleanly and reliably than tallow candles and was cheaper to produce. [4] In chemistry, paraffin is used synonymously with alkane, indicating hydrocarbons with the general formula C n H 2n+2.
Paraffin wax, a white or colorless soft solid (also in liquid form) that is used as a lubricant and for other applications; Liquid paraffin (drug), a very highly refined mineral oil used in cosmetics and for medical purposes; Alkane, a saturated hydrocarbon; Kerosene, a fuel that is also known as paraffin
Confusingly, the name "paraffin" is also used to refer to a number of distinct petroleum byproducts other than kerosene. For instance, liquid paraffin (called mineral oil in the US) is a more viscous and highly refined product which is used as a laxative. Paraffin wax is a waxy solid extracted from petroleum.
Liquid paraffin, also known as paraffinum liquidum, paraffin oil, liquid paraffin oil or Russian mineral oil, is a very highly refined mineral oil used in cosmetics and medicine. Cosmetic or medicinal liquid paraffin should not be confused with the paraffin (i.e. kerosene ) used as a fuel.
A kerosene lamp (also known as a paraffin lamp in some countries) is a type of lighting device that uses kerosene as a fuel. Kerosene lamps have a wick or mantle as light source, protected by a glass chimney or globe; lamps may be used on a table, or hand-held lanterns may be used for portable lighting.
Paraffin oil is commonly used to fill Galileo thermometers: Due to paraffin oil's freezing temperature being lower than that of water (approx. −4 °C (24 °F)), this makes them less susceptible to freezing during shipment, or when stored in a cold environment.