What did Nobel invent?

Alfred Nobel is known as the founder of the Nobel Prize. But very few people know what Nobel invented and why the prize of his name is considered such a prestigious and important award in the academic world.

The main invention of Nobel

Alfred Nobel was a chemist. He was born in 1833. in Stockholm. His father was engaged in the development of military equipment. At that time, it was quite a demanded business, and the Nobel family was prosperous. However, even cooperation with the Russian army during the Crimean War (1853) did not save the family business from bankruptcy.

Then Alfred devoted himself to the study of explosivessubstances. Nobel established that nitroglycerin when mixed with substances that can absorb it, is more convenient and safe. This convenience made it possible to use a fire cord and a detonator. Nobel called his invention dynamite and patented it in 1867. Continuing experiments with nitroglycerin, Nobel invented other explosive mixtures: ballistite and cordite (a mixture with gunpowder).

Peaceful goals

However, explosives are not the only onesthe invention of a Swedish chemist. In total, the scientist owns 355 patents for such things as apparatus for measuring atmospheric pressure and pressure of liquids and gas, a water meter, a barometer, a refrigeration apparatus, a gas burner. In addition, Nobel developed a model of a bicycle with rubber tires and improved steam boilers.

Nobel wanted his main invention -dynamite - was used only for peaceful purposes, for example, in mining. The scientist bequeathed his fortune for the prize, which is annually awarded to scientists who made discoveries in the natural sciences, as well as those who devoted themselves to the struggle for peace.

On other inventions of humanity you can learn from our section Inventions.