Did you know: the lighter was invented long back before the matchbox and matchsticks are invented.
A lighter is a portable device used to create a flame, and to ignite a variety of combustible materials, such as cigar,gas stoves, fireworks, candles or cigarettes It consists of a metal or plastic container filled with a flammable fluid or pressurized liquid gas, a means of ignition to produce the flame, and some provision for extinguishing the flame. Alternatively, a lighter can be powered by electricity, using an electric arcor element to ignite the target.
History
The first lighters were converted flintlock pistols that used gunpowder. One of the first lighters was invented by the German chemist named Johann Wolfgang Dobereiner in 1823 and was often called Dobereiner’s lab.This lighter worked by passing flammable hydrogen gas, produced within the lighter by a chemical reaction, over a platinum metal catalyst which in turn caused it to ignite and give off a great amount of heat and light.
Fact's Hub 