The Davy lamp is a safety lamp invented by Sir Humphry Davy in 1815. It was designed for use in coal mines to prevent explosions caused by flammable gases, such as methane. The lamp features a mesh screen that protects the flame, allowing it to burn safely in hazardous environments. The Davy lamp works by limiting the amount of oxygen that reaches the flame, which reduces the risk of ignition. This innovation significantly improved miner safety and became a standard tool in the mining industry, helping to save countless lives over the years.