| Humans have been looking for ways to create | | | | flashlights because they are able to run a significant |
| portable light sources since the beginning of history. | | | | amount longer on one set of batteries. They also have |
| Tree branches gave way to torches which were later | | | | very bright lights which remain consistent even as the |
| replaced by candles and kerosene lamps. The problem | | | | batteries begin to fail. Surefire flashlights are an |
| was that you still had to rely on fire for light which was | | | | excellent choice if you are looking for a high quality |
| dangerous and impractical in certain situations. | | | | LED flashlight. Streamlight flashlights are also top of the |
| The flashlight would soon be the answer to all of these | | | | line. |
| problems. The history of the flashlight really begins with | | | | Today most flashlights fall into two categories. There |
| the invention of the light bulb by Thomas Edison in | | | | are flashlights that are very bright which are used by |
| 1879. Edison used a carbon filament, but it was | | | | police officers, the military and security teams. These |
| replaced in 1906 by a tungsten wire filament. Around | | | | flashlights can be quite advanced and are often |
| the same time, work was being done to create a | | | | expensive. Most people require a much simpler |
| portable battery. A German scientist, Dr. Carl Gassner, | | | | flashlight which is less expensive. You can find |
| created the first battery in 1888. | | | | flashlights of almost every shape and size starting at |
| The first flashlight was invented in 1898 by Conrad | | | | only a few dollars. |
| Hubert. He worked alongside David Misell, who would | | | | The flashlight has come a long way from its simple |
| go on to invent the tubular flashlight. Conrad Hubert's | | | | beginnings. It has truly revolutionized portable lighting. As |
| company, The American Electrical Novelty and | | | | advances in technology continue to occur, it seems |
| Manufacturing Company filed several patents related | | | | likely that at some point battery operated flashlights will |
| to flashlights in 1898. (Hubert's company would later | | | | be obsolete. |
| become Eveready.) | | | | If you are interested in learning more about flashlights, |
| The flashlight changed form a few times, but the basic | | | | there are several online sites which have photographs |
| idea stayed the same. In recent years, however, there | | | | which show the progression of the flashlight. There are |
| has been an increase in flashlights which do not require | | | | even flashlight museums that you can visit in order to |
| the use of batteries. This means they are ready to go | | | | get a closer look at how the flashlight has changed |
| whenever you need them. LED flashlights still use | | | | through the years. |
| batteries but they are an improvement over traditional | | | | |