What is an alcohol lamp how is it used?

An alcohol lamp is a small jar with a special lid that holds a round cotton wick. Most are provided with another lid that fits over the wick to extinguish it and prevent evaporation of the alcohol fuel when not in use. Alcohol inside the jar is drawn up the wick by capillary action and evaporates when it reaches the air. The fumes are ignited, and burn with a temperature of between 500 and 900 degrees F., depending on the location in the flame. Alcohol lamps are normally used when low heat is needed for projects such as woodworking, lab experiments or heating something for a science project.