| Description | This is an Alformant Lamp. It consists of a metal cylindrical body, with a cut-out section at the base that houses a spirit lamp and a refillable oil tank closed with a tin cork, and a removable hollow upper portion with fenestrations.
As the lamp burned, it heated the formalin tablets placed in the upper section, causing the release of formaldehyde vapour into the air through the fenestrations. This vapour was considered antiseptic and disinfectant. The treated room would typically be left sealed for 24 hours, allowing the vapour to thoroughly permeate all areas and materials. Afterward, the space would be ventilated before reuse. This method was common in hospitals, sickrooms, and public health interventions, especially before modern chemical disinfectants. |