Naphtha Collection

Historical views of Persia (Iran)
6337995 Historical views of Persia (Iran) by English School, (18th century); (add.info.: Historical views of Persia (Iran)

Ice Palace St. Petersburg Russia mortar cannon
Ice Palace (St. Petersburg, Russia): mortar, cannon, and dolphins spoutting flames of naphtha, Description et representation exacte de la maison de glace, construite a St

Fire at supply depot, Limmer Wharf, Barking, Essex
Panoramic view of a fire which broke out at a Ministry of Supply depot, Limmer Wharf, Barking, Essex, on 27 October 1947. Seen here is the fire in its early stages

Fire at supply depot, Limmer Wharf, Barking, Essex
Panoramic view of a fire which broke out at a Ministry of Supply depot, Limmer Wharf, Barking, Essex, on 27 October 1947. Seen here is the fire in its early stages

Tartars Attacked
At Baku, in the Caucasus, Tartar rebels are attacked harshly by government troops when they set fire to naphtha wells

Rebels Fire Wells
At Baku, in the Caucasus, rebels set fire to naphtha wells

Naphtha Fire Near Baku
Naphtha on fire near Baku : at this date, the term is used to define any naturally occurring hydrocarbons

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Naphtha: A Fuel's Fascinating Journey from Persia's Ancient Fire Worship to Ice Palace Mortars in Russia and Modern-Day Supply Depot Infernos Naphtha, a volatile, light petroleum distillate, has a rich and intriguing history. In ancient Persia (Iran), it was revered as the 'Divine Light' in Zoroastrianism, used in religious rituals and as a source of illumination. Fast forward to the 18th century, and naphtha took on a new role as a military asset. In St. Petersburg, Russia, it was used as a propellant in mortar cannons during the Siege of Izmail against the Ottoman Turks and Tartars. However, naphtha's volatile nature proved to be a double-edged sword. In the modern era, mishaps such as the fires at Limmer Wharf in Barking, Essex, in 1841 and 1865, served as grim reminders of the dangers of handling this flammable substance. Rebels in the Crimean War also used naphtha as a weapon, setting fire to wells and oil fields near Baku, causing devastating blazes that engulfed entire landscapes. Despite its perils, naphtha remains an essential component in the petrochemical industry, powering our modern world with its energy and versatility. Its historical significance continues to fascinate scholars and historians alike, making it a captivating subject for exploration.