It used methanol vaper and a platinum mesh to start a galvanic reaction wich would release a lot of heat. Thus drawing air through a cigarette from the lighter would suck the methanol vapour past the mesh, resulting in the combustion of the methanol with oxygen in the air, and lighting the cigarette. Galvanic lighters were quite helpful in the field for a soldier, since they are so simple and windproof. However, you may have guessed why these lighters are not still in production. let’s say breathing in methanol vapour isn’t the healthiest thing to do (it is really toxic).