1. Alfred Nobel | Biography, Inventions, & Facts - Britannica
Alfred Nobel, Swedish chemist, engineer, and industrialist who invented dynamite and other explosives. He also founded the Nobel Prizes, ...
Alfred Nobel, Swedish chemist, engineer, and industrialist who invented dynamite and other explosives. He also founded the Nobel Prizes, which were supported by his fortune after his death. He made other inventions, such as artificial silk and leather, and registered hundreds of patents in various countries.
2. Alfred Nobel and the Prize That Almost Didn't Happen
Sep 26, 2006 · When Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor of dynamite and more powerful explosives, died in 1896, he bequeathed the bulk of his fortune to ...
In a little known story, the Nobel Prizes almost never came to be, largely because of the unsophisticated way Alfred Nobel drew up his will.
3. Did a Premature Obituary Inspire the Nobel Prize? | HISTORY
Dec 9, 2016 · Dynamite inventor Alfred Nobel never explained why he created the Nobel Prizes in his 1895 will, but he may have been inspired by reading an ...
Dynamite inventor Alfred Nobel never explained why he created the Nobel Prizes in his 1895 will, but he may have been inspired by reading an unflattering obituary—his own.
4. How Dynamite Spawned the Nobel Prizes | Office for Science and Society
Oct 8, 2021 · Yes, he had invented dynamite and gelignite, the most powerful explosives known at the time, but he had always envisaged that they would be used ...
Alfred Nobel wasn't in the best of health but he knew he wasn't dead. Yet, there was his obituary, prominently featured in the morning newspaper. To make matters worse, not only had the newspaper killed him off prematurely, it had described him as a man who "became rich by finding a way to kill more people faster than ever before." The French press service that provided the story had made a mistake. It was actually Alfred's older brother Ludvig who had died while vacationing in Cannes but a reporter had gotten the brothers mixed up. Alfred was deeply disturbed by this chance preview of how the world would remember him. Yes, he had invented dynamite and gelignite, the most powerful explosives known at the time, but he had always envisaged that they would be used to the benefit of mankind. Indeed, he had spoken of producing a substance of "such frightful efficacy for wholesale destruction that it would make wars impossible." Unfortunately, he was wrong. Nobel was born in Sweden but spent his early years in St. Petersburg in Russia where his inventor father had set up a small business developing sea mines for the Russian government. Young Alfred had ambitions of becoming a writer but his father thought that a scientific career would be more practical. So he sent sixteen-year-old Alfred to apprentice in the laboratory of the noted French chemist Theophile Pelouze. It was here that he met Ascanio Sobrero, an Italian chemist, who told him about a fascinating substance he had discovered. "Pyroglycerine," Nobel learned, was an oily liquid that exploded with great vigour when detonated. Sobrero had made it by reacting a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids with glycerine, a substance readily available by treating fats with sodium hydroxide. He had gotten the idea from a story about a chance discovery made in 1838 by Friedrich Schonbein, a professor of chemistry at the University of Basel in Switzerland. Schonbein, as the story goes, was experimenting in his kitchen with a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids which he accidentally spilled. He quickly picked up his wife's cotton apron and wiped up the mess. When Schonbein tried to dry the apron by hanging it near a stove, it burst into flame and disappeared in a flash. He realized that cellulose, the basic component of cotton, had somehow reacted with the acids to create an explosive material. Sobrero realized that glycerol and cellulose shared some chemical features and he wondered what would happen if he reacted it with the mix of acids that Schonbein had used. The results were remarkable. The nitric acid converted glycerine into Sobrero's "pyroglycerine," which in chemical lingo was better described as "nitroglycerine." When heated, it just burned. But as the temperature reached 220oC nitroglycerine exploded, although not always in a predictable fashion. The yellow liquid was also sensitive to shock, and it seemed to Nobel that if nitroglycerine were to be used as an explosive, a reliable detonation system would have to be found. Alfred suggested to his father that they focus their attention on making nitroglycerine on a large scale. Immanuel Nobel did not need much convincing because his factory in St. Petersburg, which had been very profitable during the Crimean War, now faced bankruptcy. The family moved back to Sweden and set up a factory to produce nitroglycerine. Almost immediately tragedy struck when an explosion killed Emil, the youngest son. The nitration of glycerine was a dangerous business. So dangerous that in some cases the workers who monitored the reaction were made to sit on one-legged stools so that they would immediately wake up should they dose off. One would think, though, that sitting in front of a bubbling kettle frothing with brown fumes of nitrogen oxides, containing the most powerful explosive known to mankind, would have been enough of a motivator to staying awake. Making nitroglycerine wasn't the only problem. How to detonate it was an even bigger concern. Alfred solved this problem with his invention of the mercury fulminate blasting cap. But without a doubt, Nobel's greatest contribution was the invention of dynamite, which safely harnessed the energy of nitroglycerine. He had long considered the idea of mixing nitroglycerine with some solid material with the hope of decreasing its shock sensitivity. Finally Nobel hit on a type of silica, known as diatomaceous earth, which was ideal. The sticks of dynamite could be safely transported and would only explode when triggered with a blasting cap. Dynamite would change the world. It would allow the Panama Canal to be built, but contrary to Nobel's hopes, would also take warfare to a new level. Alfred Nobel had loathed war all his life and was stunned when his obituary referred to him as a "merchant of death." He vowed that he would not be remembered as such! So he decided to leave his immense fortune to foster science, literature and peace. The Nobel Prizes were born! All because a journalist did not check his facts. @JoeSchwarcz
5. Alfred Nobel - Life and Philosophy - NobelPrize.org
Dec 8, 1998 · Incidentally, Alfred himself coined the word dynamite from the Greek dynamis, meaning power. One of his German colleagues had proposed the term ...
A memorial address by Tore Frängsmyr * The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences 26 March 1996 Probably no Swede is as well-known throughout the world as Alfred Nobel – not […]
(Video) Alfred Nobel: Founder of the Nobel Prizes | Mini Bio | Biography
6. Introductory Note to Alfred Nobel's Will - PMC - NCBI
Alfred Nobel continued with experiments related to explosives, and in 1866, he invented a safe method for blasting called “dynamite." This dynamite was used for ...
In 1901, a little more than a century ago, the first Nobel prize was awarded. The yearly Nobel awards are for the most important discoveries or contributions in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace. Since 1969, the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in memory of Alfred Nobel has also been awarded, but there is controversy about whether the prize in economics should be considered a Nobel prize. I thought it would be important to reproduce Alfred Nobel's will to understand the background of these prestigious awards. Of note, Dr. Willem Einthoven received the Nobel prize in 1924 for his invention of the electrocardiogram, the device that was the true beginning of clinical electrocardiology.
7. Alfred Nobel and His Prizes: From Dynamite to DNA - PMC - NCBI
Jul 31, 2017 · Alfred Nobel was one of the most successful chemists, inventors, entrepreneurs, and businessmen of the late nineteenth century.
Alfred Nobel was one of the most successful chemists, inventors, entrepreneurs, and businessmen of the late nineteenth century. In a decision later in life, he rewrote his will to leave virtually all his fortune to establish prizes for persons of any ...
8. Dynamite and the Ethics of its Many Uses - American Chemical Society
Missing: accidentally | Show results with:accidentally
American Chemical Society: Chemistry for Life.
9. Alfred Nobel's life and work - NobelPrize.org
Missing: accidentally | Show results with:accidentally
Born in Stockholm On October 21, 1833 a baby boy was born to a family in Stockholm, Sweden who was to become a famous scientist, inventor, businessman and founder of […]
10. Alfred Nobel: History's Brilliant Man of Noble Thought - AI bees
Jul 11, 2023 · Alfred Nobel is a Swedish chemist and industrialist who invented a nitroglycerine-based explosive dynamite and built a noble legacy of peace ...
(Video) History Of Nobel Prize | Alfred Nobel | The OpenBookAlfred Nobel is a Swedish chemist and industrialist who invented a nitroglycerine-based explosive dynamite and built a noble legacy of peace known today.
11. Biography of Alfred Nobel, Inventor of Dynamite - ThoughtCo
Apr 27, 2020 · Known For: Inventor of dynamite and benefactor of the Nobel Prize · Born: October 21, 1833 in Stockholm, Sweden · Parents: Immanuel Nobel and ...
Alfred Nobel, inventor of dynamite and chemist, bequeathed his wealth to create the Nobel Prizes. Learn more about his life, inventions, and beliefs.
12. Alfred Nobel dies | OUPblog
Dec 9, 2011 · This Day in World History Stricken by a cerebral hemorrhage, wealthy industrialist Alfred Nobel died on December 10, 1896.
This Day in World History Stricken by a cerebral hemorrhage, wealthy industrialist Alfred Nobel died on December 10, 1896. That date is still commemorated as the day on which the famous prizes issued in his name—perhaps the most prestigious prizes in the world—are officially awarded each year.
13. Alfred Nobel: Influences, Nobel Prize, FAQ - Investopedia
Missing: accidentally | Show results with:accidentally
Alfred Nobel was a Swedish chemist and engineer who invented dynamite and other explosives. He is the founder of the Nobel Prizes.
14. Alfred Nobel and the History of Dynamite - ThoughtCo
Jan 13, 2020 · Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel (also the namesake of the prestigious prize) received U.S. patent number 78317 for his invention of ...
Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel (also the namesake of the prestigious prize) received U.S. patent number 78,317 for his invention of dynamite.
(Video) Alfred Nobel: From Dynamite to the Nobel Peace Prize
15. The Man Who Invented Nitroglycerin Was Horrified By Dynamite
Oct 12, 2017 · Alfred Nobel–yes, that Nobel–commercialized it, but inventor Asciano Sobrero thought nitroglycerin was too destructive to be useful.
Alfred Nobel–yes, that Nobel–commercialized it, but inventor Asciano Sobrero thought nitroglycerin was too destructive to be useful
16. Alfred Nobel Archive - NobelPrize.org
Missing: accidentally | Show results with:accidentally
On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his third and last will at the Swedish-Norwegian Club in Paris. When it was opened and read after his death, the will caused […]
17. Alfred Nobel - New World Encyclopedia
Alfred Bernhard Nobel (October 21, 1833 - December 10, 1896) was a Swedish chemist, engineer, innovator, armaments manufacturer, and the inventor of ...
Alfred Bernhard Nobel (October 21, 1833 - December 10, 1896) was a Swedish chemist, engineer, innovator, armaments manufacturer, and the inventor of dynamite. He owned Bofors, a major armaments manufacturer, which he had redirected from its previous role as an iron and steel mill. In his last will, he used his enormous fortune to institute the Nobel Prizes. The synthetic element nobelium was named after him.
18. The quirky stories behind how Nobel Prizes work - ABC News
Oct 6, 2017 · During his lifetime, Nobel became famous for making a vast fortune off inventing dynamite. But when his brother Ludvig died, the story goes, a ...
The Nobel Prize might never had existed had a newspaper not accidentally posted Alfred Nobel's obituary before he died.
19. Alfred Nobel - NNDB
Understandably, Nobel sought to make a safer explosive, and in 1866, by absorbing nitroglycerin into kieselguhr (a porous clay), he invented dynamite. Its ...
(Video) ALFRED NOBEL | How Nobel Prize Started | The Dr Binocs Show | Peekaboo KidzAKA Alfred Bernhard Nobel
20. Alfred Bernhard Nobel | Encyclopedia.com
The Swedish chemist Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833-1896) invented dynamite and other explosives, but he is best remembered for the Nobel Prizes, which he endowed ...
NOBEL, ALFRED BERNHARD(b. Stockholm, Sweden, 21 October 1833; d.
21. Alfred Nobel | Science History Institute
Missing: accidentally | Show results with:accidentally
The founder of the prestigious Nobel Prizes made his fortune with a big bang by inventing dynamite, a stabilized form of nitroglycerin.
22. the nobel prize is named after swedish scientist alfred nobel who ...
3 days ago · Nobel Prize 2017 the inventor of the awards Alfred Nobel … It had mixed results. In 1864 a nitroglycerin factory Nobel built exploded killing ...
Posted on 2023-09-15 by admin
23. National Geographic India - On this day in 1867, Alfred Nobel filed a ...
On this day in 1867, Alfred Nobel filed a patent for his most notable invention, Dynamite ... Swedish scientist then dedicated his life to peace, giving birth ...
On this day in 1867, Alfred Nobel filed a patent for his most notable invention, Dynamite. Horrified by his nickname while reading an accidental...
(Video) 5 things you should know about the Nobel Prize and Alfred Nobel
24. Who was Alfred Nobel? - Nobel Peace Center
Missing: accidentally | Show results with:accidentally
The Nobel Peace Center presents the Nobel Peace Prize and its ideals. It is an arena where culture and politics merge to promote involvement, debate and reflection around topics such as war, peace and conflict resolution.
FAQs
Why was Nobel Prize named after Alfred Nobel? ›
After seeing the obit — published by mistake when his brother died — he was inspired to create the Nobels and laid out bequests in his will to fund them. On November 27, 1895, Nobel signed a will that laid out a plan and provided the money to finance the honours.
Is the Nobel Prize named after Alfred Nobel Swedish chemist he invented? ›Alfred Nobel (1833-1896) – scientist, author and pacifist, but above all the inventor of dynamite and holder of 355 patents – shaped as a human being in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Russian capital where different nationalities and cultures mixed and where science and literature developed in a dynamic interaction ...
Who invented the Nobel Prize? ›Alfred Nobel was an inventor, entrepreneur, scientist and businessman who also wrote poetry and drama. His varied interests are reflected in the prize he established and which he lay the foundation for in 1895 when he wrote his last will, leaving much of his wealth to the establishment of the prize.
What things did Alfred Nobel invent? › Who and why are the Nobel Prizes named after? ›Alfred Nobel, in full Alfred Bernhard Nobel, (born October 21, 1833, Stockholm, Sweden—died December 10, 1896, San Remo, Italy), Swedish chemist, engineer, and industrialist who invented dynamite and other more powerful explosives and who also founded the Nobel Prizes.
Why was the Nobel Peace Prize invented? ›According to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, his friendship with Bertha von Suttner, a peace activist and later recipient of the prize, profoundly influenced his decision to include peace as a category. Some Nobel scholars suggest it was Nobel's way to compensate for developing destructive forces.
What was the 1st Nobel Prize called? ›| year | category | name |
|---|---|---|
| 1901 | literature | Sully Prudhomme |
| peace | Henri Dunant | |
| Frédéric Passy | ||
| physics | Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen |
Marie Skłodowska Curie, a Polish-French physicist and chemist, was the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize and the only woman to receive two Nobel prizes. While studying uranium's rays, she discovered new elements and named them polonium and radium. She also coined the term “radio-active” to describe them.
Who was the first scientist Nobel Prize? ›1901 Physics Prize
In 1895, scientists and the public were stunned by chilling images, showing the inside of a human hand. The images were created by a mysterious and invisible type of ray, discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, who later received the first Nobel Prize in Physics 1901.
Who turned down the Nobel Prize? ›
The 59-year-old author Jean-Paul Sartre declined the Nobel Prize in Literature, which he was awarded in October 1964. He said he always refused official distinctions and did not want to be “institutionalised”.
Which inventor won two Nobel Prizes? ›One person, Linus Pauling, has won two undivided Nobel Prizes. In 1954 he won the Prize for Chemistry. Eight years later he was awarded the Peace Prize for his opposition to weapons of mass destruction. The atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were a turning point in Pauling's life.
What is the story behind Nobel Prize? ›The Nobel Prize is an international award administered by the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden, and based on the fortune of Alfred Nobel, Swedish inventor and entrepreneur. In 1968, Sveriges Riksbank established The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, founder of the Nobel Prize.
How many things did Alfred Nobel invent? ›Swedish chemist, inventor, engineer, entrepreneur and business man Alfred Nobel had acquired 355 patents worldwide when he died in 1896. He invented dynamite and experimented in making synthetic rubber, leather and artificial silk among many other things. Here is a list of 29 Swedish and 58 English patents.
What do Nobel Prize winners get? ›The prize ceremonies take place annually. Each recipient (known as a "laureate") receives a green gold medal plated with 24 karat gold, a diploma, and a monetary award. In 2021, the Nobel Prize monetary award was 10,000,000 SEK.
Why didn't Einstein get a Nobel Prize? ›From his perspective, even scientists can succumb to mass suggestion. As in 1921, Gullstrand declared that Einstein's theories lack the significance for physics needed to be considered for a Nobel Prize. The committee accepted this judgement without any formal dissent.