The
torch is a device that illuminates, that gives light in a specific space and that is able to create intense suggestions since its appearance in antiquity.
A traditional torch is composed of a stick with fibers wrapped around the tip and impregnated with flammable material (for example resin, bitumen or wax).
Today we use the term torch to refer to the portable
flashlight and
mobile phone flashlight for our smartphone devices on a daily basis.
We can also call "torches" the large candles used in carrying out religious processions, or those huge towers typical of petrochemical plants or in industries where various chemical products are processed.
"The more a torch creates light, the more it wears out and the less it lasts."
Baltasar Gracián
The history of the torch and symbolism
The construction of the torch has changed throughout history depending on the purpose for which it was made.
The oldest torches were made from a wooden slat with the tip wrapped in a material soaked with something that could catch fire. In ancient Rome, torches were usually made of sulfur and lime.
The torch is an
emblem of both enlightenment and hope , for example the
Statue of Liberty raises its torch. The crossed inverted torches were signs of mourning on funerary monuments: a downward torch symbolized death, while pointed upward symbolized the opposite message (i.e. life).
The
connection between torch and love finds its origin in the Greek and Roman tradition of the wedding torch, lit in the hearth of the bride's house on the first wedding night and "moved" to light the hearth in the new home.
The torch is also often used as a symbol of a romantic relationship that has ended, but in which one partner still loves the other. Or in the case of unrequited love (perhaps because it "burns you inside"?).
The invention of the modern flashlight
The modern evolution of the flashlight is represented by the flashlight.
The inventor of the torch is the British naturalized American
David Misell on March 12, 1898 (US Patent No. 617,592). In the year 1899 he ceded the patent to the American Electrical Novelty and Manufacturing Company.
The current use of the flash in modern smartphones can be defined as a further evolution of the flashlight.
Which flashlight to buy?
Whatever your outdoor sporting activity, a light source is essential in the dark. This is why portable, compact and light torches were born.
This object is indispensable for illuminating paths at night and guaranteeing maximum safety not only outdoors, but also at home in the event of a blackout.
There are various models on the market and they are distinguished above all by these characteristics:
- Power supply;
- type of bulb;
- material;
- template.
Types of light bulb
The lanterns and torches can be equipped with various types of bulbs and differ in power and beam width, color and energy consumption.
The power, or the amount of light emitted by a flashlight, is expressed in
lumens , a unit of measurement indicated in each model on sale. The higher the lumen value, the more powerful the light beam will be; a classic torch is around 50/100 lumens, but there are more powerful models.
The most famous types of light bulbs are four:
- incandescent bulb : the traditional kind and is commonly used in all homes. They have an autonomy of about 800 hours but are fragile and not very efficient;
- halogen bulb : similar to incandescent bulbs, they guarantee a longer duration and with a greater light power but produce more heat;
- LED : more efficient and brighter than traditional bulbs, LED lights also offer the advantage of greater energy savings and a longer life;
- xenon bulbs : more efficient than halogen bulbs, they produce a very intense light (used in camera flash), produced with xenon gas.
The material from which the torches are made
Flashlights are generally made of metal, plastic or rubber.
The lightest and cheapest material is plastic, but it is also the least resistant and durable.
Most of the models on the market today are made of aluminum to obtain an economical and light torch, suitable for transport. There are also some expensive flashlights made of titanium - a lightweight yet strong material.
My advice when buying a flashlight is to choose a material that is light but also sturdy (to prevent it from breaking on the first fall) and waterproof (to be able to use it outdoors without worries).
Flashlight models
Flashlights are perfect when you need to light in a certain direction or at a specific point, but if you need to light a larger area I recommend using a lantern.
As for the different torch models, there are 3 macro categories.
Portable flashlight
Made with shockproof and scratch resistant materials, this flashlight guarantees a super bright beam and an extremely long life. Offers the ability to adjust the intensity and emit strobe light. It is a light and compact product, useful for traveling and hiking.
They are available in various sizes, from tiny ones to clip onto the keychain to pocket sized ones up to larger versions. When buying a portable flashlight it is important to consider all its features, relating the weight with the size, power and energy consumption and choosing the solution that best suits your needs. As a general rule, consider that the bigger and more powerful they are, the more they consume energy.
Most of the flashlights are made in such a way as to withstand atmospheric events, such as snow and rain, but if you have to use them in the water you have to opt for specific models for diving.
Headlamp
This model is widely used by climbers, runners, cyclists, hikers, fishermen and workers because it lights up leaving your hands free.
They consist of an adjustable band to be placed on the head and the lamp itself can also be adjusted in terms of intensity and direction.
There are various types of headlamps on the market in terms of size, wattage and bulb used (although most have an LED light).
Crank torch
A handy hand crank torch does not require the use of batteries, gas or electricity. This way you can save money and space in your backpack. To recharge it, simply turn the crank, but the ignition may not be immediate so this type of flashlight is not recommended when you have little time or in an emergency.
"So reading was in those days a subversive act. Discovering the novel was joined by the excitement of disobeying the family. Double charm! Oh, the memory of those hours of reading stolen under the covers in the light of a flashlight!"
Daniel Pennac, Like a novel
How to turn on the flashlight on the mobile phone or the light of the mobile phone?
How to put the flashlight on the mobile? Virtually all modern smartphones are equipped with a particular LED, located on the back of the device, which acts as a flash for the camera but can also be used as a torch.
How to turn on the flashlight on Android?
To turn on the flashlight on an Android device, you need to bring up the
quick function menu of the operating system and click the button to activate the flashlight.
If you have activated “OK Google” on your device, you can turn the flashlight on or off by saying the commands “OK Google, turn on the flashlight” and “OK Google, turn off the flashlight”.
How to turn on the flashlight on iPhone iOS?
With iPhone you can activate the flashlight from
the control center .
To do this, open the area by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen (on iPhone with Face ID) or by swiping up from the bottom of the display (on iPhone with Home button) and click on the symbol of the flashlight. With a long press you can set the brightness.
How to turn on the mobile phone light in case of notifications?
In order for the mobile phone light to turn on when you receive calls, SMS and notifications, you need to enable the appropriate functionality in the operating system menu.
In the case of Android, the procedures to follow on devices equipped with LEDs are different. On some versions of Android, such as Xiaomi's MIUI, you can manage the notification LED by going instead to the Settings> Additional settings> Notification LED of the operating system.
On the iPhone, however, there is no notification LED, but you can deal with the problem by activating the LED flash for iPhone alerts. It allows you to flash the flash on the back of the device when a call, message or any other notification is received.
If you are interested in going this route, open the iPhone Settings, by tapping on the gear symbol on the Home screen or in the App Library, click on the Accessibility item and scroll down the next panel, until you find the Hearing section.
Then click Audio-visual content and set the toggle next to the Flash LED for alerts option from OFF to ON.
Flashlight - App on Google Play
Tiny Flashlight is perhaps the best flashlight app in the android market. The
flashlight app on Google Play was developed by programmer
Nikolay Ananiev .
A flashlight for your device! A simple but at the same time very useful application. The application turns your camera flash into a flashlight.
Electric torch! on the App Store
App designed for Iphone by
7th Gear developer,
Flashlight! takes advantage of using the flash on the back of your iPhone, or the screen on your old iOS, to project a white light from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod.
"Dylan: keep your head on your shoulders and carry a flashlight with you"
Bob Dylan, American singer-songwriter and composer 1941
