A fragrance lamp, also known as a perfume lamp, effusion lamp, or simply by the name brand Lampe Berger is a catalytic diffusion lamp that purifies the air while imparting a fragrance.

In the mid 1800s two scientists, Justus Von Liebig and Charles Gerhart (inventor of the Aspirin) in their quest to improve the health conditions of their time, discovered the catalytic burner system. The chemical reaction caused by the catalytic burner produces aldehydes, rising oxygen and ozona, compounds that prove to disinfect and purify the air.

Maurice Berger patented the Fragrance Lamp in Paris in June of 1898, hence the name Lampe Berger. The lamp’s antiseptic powers were primarily used in hospitals and mortuaries to reduce odours and airborne pathogens. The lamp's ability to purify the air was the primary selling point. At that time the lamps used methyl alcohol which gave off formaldehyde on combustion. It was efficient but smelled unpleasant.

In 1927, Maurice Berger sold the company to Jean-Jacques Faillot. He changed to ethyl alcohol which has the scent of Apples on combustion. This change moved the Lampe Berger Company into the consumer market and the fragrancing ability of the lamps became important.

Today the fragrance lamp can be found throughout households in Europe and the United States where it has rapidly become the latest trend in the home fragrance market.

The catalytic effusion lamp is simply the most amazing home air purification and personal aromatherapy device on the market.  Unlike common "air freshener" products, the catalytic effusion lamp does not simply cover up bad smells:  It eliminates the molecules making the odors through proven catalytic technology (similar to an automobile catalytic converter). The device is very effective in removing virtually any kind of odor, from pets, cooking, mildew, nail polish—even cigars! 

At the same time, the catalytic effusion lamp quietly diffuses pleasant aromas throughout your home. All of this is made possible through flameless, smokeless, low-temperature catalytic combustion.  Catalytic effusion lamps typically burn alcohol based fuels at the rate of about 1 ounce per hour.  Considering the dual air purification and aromatic diffusion function of the lamp, they are excellent value.