Mellomnavn alfred nobel biography

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After taxes and bequests to individuals, Nobel left 31,225,000 Swedish kronor (equivalent to 250 million U.S. dollars in 2008) to fund the Nobel Prizes.

Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. An economics prize, funded by the Swedish central bank, was later added in his memory.

The Nobel Prizes have since become some of the most coveted and respected awards worldwide, celebrating human achievement and fostering global progress in various fields.

In 1850, Nobel's father sent him abroad to study chemical engineering.

mellomnavn alfred nobel biography

His mother, Andriette Ahlsell Nobel, came from a well-off family, providing financial stability during Alfred's early years.

Siblings: Alfred had three brothers: Robert (1829–1896), Ludvig (1831–1888), and Emil (1843–1864). He invested in various medical experiments and innovations, reflecting his diverse scientific curiosity.

The family moved back to Sweden, and Nobel soon began experimenting with explosives. These prestigious awards, first presented in 1901, recognize outstanding contributions in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace. Nobel went on to invent a number of other explosives.

In the 1870s and 1880s, Nobel built up a network of factories all over Europe to manufacture explosives.

There, he met Ascanio Sobrero, the inventor of nitroglycerin, whose work left a profound impression on him. He named this invention "dynamite," derived from the Greek word "dynamis," meaning power. He established factories and laboratories in more than 20 countries, securing patents and expanding his business empire. Intellectually curious, he went on to experiment with chemistry and explosives.

Alfred Nobel (1833-1896)

Alfred Nobel  ©Alfred Nobel was a Swedish chemist and the inventor of dynamite, who established the Nobel Prize.

Alfred Nobel was born on 21 October 1833 in Stockholm, Sweden. After spending a year in Paris studying chemistry, he moved to the United States.

This tragedy deeply affected Alfred, intensifying his resolve to find a safer way to use nitroglycerin.

In 1867, Alfred Nobel's breakthrough came when he discovered that mixing nitroglycerin with an absorbent substance like kieselguhr (diatomaceous earth) created a stable, moldable compound. Provoked by the event and disappointed with how he felt he might be remembered, Nobel set aside a bulk of his estate to establish the Nobel Prizes to honor men and women for outstanding achievements in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and for working toward peace.

Alfred and his brothers sought to stabilize the family's finances through various inventions and business ventures.

Nitroglycerin, discovered by Sobrero in 1847, was known for its powerful explosive properties but was extremely volatile and dangerous to handle. In 1864, a deadly explosion killed his younger brother.

His interest in chemistry and physics was nurtured through extensive reading and experimentation, supported by his father's resources.

In 1850, at the age of 17, Alfred went to Paris to continue his studies. Although he lived in Paris, Nobel travelled widely. This period was crucial for Alfred’s early education, exposing him to engineering and technology from a young age.

Education and Early Interests

Alfred Nobel was privately educated by tutors, receiving a comprehensive education that included natural sciences, languages, and literature.

His inventions brought both great progress and significant ethical challenges, but his legacy, through the Nobel Prizes, remains a powerful force for global good. Nobel's vision for the prizes was to encourage and reward those who contribute significantly to humanity, thus leaving a lasting impact on the world.

Death and Legacy

Alfred Nobel died of a stroke on December 10, 1896, at his home in San Remo, Italy.