A spirit lamp is a small, portable, and simple type of burner commonly used in laboratories for heating small volumes of liquids or for performing simple chemical reactions. It consists of a metal container, usually made of brass or glass, that holds a small amount of liquid fuel such as ethanol or methanol.

The fuel is ignited using a wick or by direct application of a flame. Spirit lamps are often used for heating small test tubes, performing flame tests, and for simple chemistry experiments. They are also commonly used in medical settings for heating surgical instruments and for sterilizing small equipment.

Due to their small size and simplicity, spirit lamps are a convenient and cost-effective alternative to larger and more complex burners like the Bunsen burner. However, they are less efficient and less controllable than other types of burners and may not be suitable for larger-scale experiments or for applications that require precise temperature control.