Wicking

Reference: below excerpts are taken from Mark Miodownik's book titled "Liquid Rules". Chapter 1: Explosive. Mark brilliantly describes the process of wicking as part of the timeline of events which lead to the invention and adoption of Kerosene. He says:
 

"Without wicking, candles wouldn't work. When you light the wick on a candle, the heat melts the wax and creates a pool of molten wax. The liquid wax travels up the wick, through microchannels, to the flame, thus feeding it with a new supply of liquid wax to burn. If you choose the right material for the wick, the flame will burn hot enough to maintain a pool of liquid wax and ensure a constant flow of fuel."