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Whose Invention Was Dynamite?

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Quick Answer

Alfred Nobel invented dynamite in 1867.

The Full Story

Swedish chemist and engineer Alfred Nobel patented dynamite in 1867 after finding that mixing nitroglycerin with diatomaceous earth (kieselguhr) made the explosive far safer to handle and transport. The invention revolutionised mining, construction, and demolition. Nobel amassed an enormous fortune from explosives manufacturing and other business ventures. After reading a premature obituary that condemned him as a merchant of death, he established the Nobel Prizes in his 1895 will, funding awards for outstanding contributions to physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace.

Key Facts

1.Nitroglycerin alone was extremely unstable; many workers died in accidents before dynamite.
2.Nobel held 355 patents during his lifetime.
3.The Nobel Prize fund started with about 31 million Swedish kronor from Nobel's estate.

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"From Dynamite to Nobel Prizes — Alfred Nobel's Complicated Legacy"

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