Another paraffin accident is recorded, proving the dangerous nature of that liquid. A woman in Bethnal Green, not being able to extinguish a lamp by turning it down, attempted to blow it out, and in so doing drove the flame down into the reservoir, which immediately exploded, and she was so terribly burnt that no hopes are entertained of her recovery.

Illustrated London News, Dec. 12th 1863

see also The Scholar's Handbook of Household Management - click here