Nitroglycerin is so unstable that just knocking a beaker of it casually can blow it up. There was a need for controlled explosions in tunnel construction and other applications, but it could also be a terrible tool for war.
Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist and engineer, is best known for inventing dynamite, a significant advancement in explosives. His journey to this discovery was marked by extensive experimentation and numerous trials writ large with explosions in his shed. Initially, Nobel explored various chemical compounds, but many of his attempts resulted in unstable and dangerous materials.
After countless experiments, he discovered that by stabilizing nitroglycerin with an absorbent substance, he could create a safer and more manageable explosive. This breakthrough allowed for the practical use of dynamite in construction, mining, and other industries, transforming the way such work was conducted.
His secret? Sawdust. Dynamite = nitroglycerin + sawdust. He named the new product dynamite, which comes from the Greek word dynamis, meaning "power".
However, Nobel was acutely aware of the potential destructiveness of his invention. To address the consequences of his work and to leave a positive legacy, he established the Nobel Prizes. He allocated a portion of his fortune, specifically 10% of the profits from global dynamite sales, to fund these prestigious awards. The Nobel Prizes recognize outstanding contributions in various fields, including physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace.
I am a misanthrope and yet utterly benevolent, have more than one screw loose yet am a super-idealist who digests philosophy more efficiently than food. —Alfred Nobel