philosopher's lamp

Lamp Lamp (l[a^]mp), n. [F. lampe, L. lampas, -adis, fr. Gr. ?, ?, torch, fr. ? to give light, to shine. Cf. {Lampad}, {Lantern}.] 1. A light-producing vessel, device, instrument or apparatus; formerly referring especially to a vessel with a wick used for the combustion of oil or other inflammable liquid, for the purpose of producing artificial light; also, a similar device using a gas as the combustible fuel; now referring mainly to an electric lamp. See sense [3]. [1913 Webster +PJC]

2. Figuratively, anything which enlightens intellectually or morally; anything regarded metaphorically a performing the uses of a lamp. [1913 Webster]

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. --Ps. cxix. 105. [1913 Webster]

Ages elapsed ere Homer's lamp appeared. --Cowper. [1913 Webster]

3. (Elec.) A device or mechanism for producing light by electricity, usually having a glass bulb or tube containing the light-emitting element. Most lamps belong to one of two categories, the {Incandescent lamp} (See under {Incandescent}) or the {fluorescent lamp}. However, see also {arc lamp}, below. [1913 Webster +PJC]

4. A device that emits radiant energy in the form of heat, infrared, or ultraviolet rays; as, a heat lamp. [PJC]

{[AE]olipile lamp}, a hollow ball of copper containing alcohol which is converted into vapor by a lamp beneath, so as to make a powerful blowpipe flame when the vapor is ignited. --Weale.

{Arc lamp} (Elec.), a form of lamp in which the voltaic arc is used as the source of light.

{D["e]bereiner's lamp}, an apparatus for the instantaneous production of a flame by the spontaneous ignition of a jet of hydrogen on being led over platinum sponge; -- named after the German chemist D["o]bereiner, who invented it. Called also {philosopher's lamp}.

{Flameless lamp}, an aphlogistic lamp.

{Lamp burner}, the part of a lamp where the wick is exposed and ignited. --Knight.

{Lamp fount}, a reservoir for oil, in a lamp.

{Lamp jack}. See 2d {Jack}, n., 4 (l) & (n) .

{Lamp shade}, a screen, as of paper, glass, or tin, for softening or obstructing the light of a lamp.

{Lamp shell} (Zo["o]l.), any brachiopod shell of the genus {Terebratula} and allied genera. The name refers to the shape, which is like that of an antique lamp. See {Terebratula}.

{Safety lamp}, a miner's lamp in which the flame is surrounded by fine wire gauze, preventing the kindling of dangerous explosive gases; -- called also, from Sir Humphry Davy the inventor, {Davy lamp}.

{To smell of the lamp}, to bear marks of great study and labor, as a literary composition. [1913 Webster]