Nobel, Alfred Bernhard. Noted Swedish chemist, inventor, and manufacturer. Born at Stockholm in 1833. In 1862, his father began to manufacture nitroglycerin. Five years later, through the accidental escape of some of the liquid nitroglycerin into the siliceous sand used in packing, Alfred Nobel discovered how to make dynamite, a far safer and more manageable explosive. Following this, he invented several kinds of smokeless powder, and also blasting gelatin. He patented more than 100 inventions, and established works for their manufacture in various parts of the world. By the terms of his will, a fund of $9,200,000 was provided for the establishment of five annual prizes to be awarded to persons throughout the world making the most valuable discoveries in physics, chemistry, and medicine, writing the best literature, and contributing most to the cause of humanity and peace. He died in 1896.

---