Chapter 1: A World Shrouded in Darkness

Before the introduction of gas lighting and electric bulbs, the world was predominantly dim and shadowy. Inside homes, people relied on candles and oil lamps for illumination. If one could afford it, beeswax candles were the preferred choice; however, the majority of the populace had to settle for rush lights or tallow. Tallow, which is a smoky, odorous fat derived from animals, was poured into a holder with a textile wick.

For families with moderate means, a single candle would have been utilized sparingly, leading to cherished moments spent together. Teenagers couldn’t easily retreat to their rooms without being left in the dark. Activities like reading, sewing, drawing, or conversing would be done around the flickering light of that solitary flame.

Section 1.1: The Art of Candle Maintenance

The wicks in early candles differed significantly from modern designs. Regular trimming was necessary—every ten minutes for wax candles and as frequently as every 90 seconds for tallow candles. Failure to do so would lead to excessive heat, causing a loss of fat or wax and resulting in wasteful dripping. In larger homes, a servant would typically be responsible for this task.

Subsection 1.1.1: Navigating Dark Streets

The streets of European and American cities prior to the 19th century posed significant hazards for pedestrians. On nights without moonlight, travelers often hired a "link boy" to guide them through the shadows. Whether on foot or in a sedan chair, the link boy would lead the way, carrying a torch made of twisted rags or rope infused with fat, pitch, and resin.

In a diary entry dated March 25, 1661, Samuel Pepys recounts a conversation with a young boy who collected rags and worked as a link boy, showcasing the various ways impoverished children earned a living honestly.

Section 1.2: The Dangers of Nighttime Travel

Prior to the establishment of street lighting and police patrols, the risk of muggings and robberies was very real. In a time when clothing could be incredibly expensive, affluent individuals had to be vigilant against link boys, who might conspire with thieves. A person could easily be led into a secluded alleyway and ambushed.

Chapter 2: The Challenges of Evening Entertainment

Wealthy women, who typically did not venture out alone at night, still faced the risk of encountering danger in poorly lit areas. During Queen Elizabeth’s reign (1558–1603), detachable sleeves adorned with jewels became fashionable. These decorative elements, known as "borders," could be attached to various bodices but made women vulnerable to theft.

In one notorious incident, a lady adorned with jeweled borders was targeted by thieves while heading to a theater. Her link boy was tasked with lighting their path, but when two assailants ambushed her, one extinguished the torch. As the boy hurried off to relight it, the thief attempted to grope her, expecting her to relinquish her valuables. However, she prioritized her jewels and held onto them tightly, causing the robbers to flee empty-handed.

How did theaters manage to light performances during this era? Before the arrival of gaslighting around 1817, playwrights and composers had to factor in the limited candlelight when creating their works. Since a candle typically burned for about an hour, it was essential to change them between acts or movements.

Between acts, a “wick-trimmer” would be required to maintain the candles, often necessitating the use of pulleys to adjust chandeliers. This role was not only labor-intensive but often unpleasant, as wax frequently dripped onto performers and the audience alike during shows.

In 1772, composer Haydn cleverly conveyed his desire to leave a summer residence by composing a farewell symphony, where musicians quietly extinguished their candles and exited the stage one by one until only two remained. This clever message prompted the court to pack up and return home the next day.

By 1784, a new oil lamp design by inventor Ami Argand, featuring a chimney for improved oxygen flow, started to gain traction in theaters, providing brighter lighting for performances. However, these lamps were costly and took time to become standard in venues.

With the introduction of gas lighting around 1817, the length of symphonies and operas began to increase significantly. For instance, Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 runs for 110 minutes, while the first act of Wagner’s Parsifal lasts 105 minutes.

It was likely advantageous for theaters to remain dimly lit, as public restrooms were nonexistent before the early 19th century. However, that is a topic for another discussion.