• @protist@mander.xyz
      link
      fedilink
      English
      2410 days ago

      I found this:

      Both the Greeks and the Romans employed asbestos as wicking material for their oil lamps. In fact, the very word “asbestos” comes from a Greek word meaning “inextinguishable.” In a world where lamplight extended work hours, a lamp wick made from chrysotile asbestos would burn almost indefinitely. In addition to lamp wicks, the Greeks and Romans used the long fibers of the serpentine form of asbestos in weaving textiles.

    • db0
      link
      fedilink
      English
      410 days ago

      Probably for its heat resistance