Later Years
He started working in his father’s factory after completing his studies. The factory came under the control of his brother Ludvig in 1859 and thrived under him. Alfred was deeply interested in studying explosives and obsessively experimented with nitroglycerine, a highly explosive compound.
A tragic accident happened at the shed used for preparing nitroglycerin in which five people, including his younger brother, Emil, were killed. Nobel became more focused on developing explosives that were safer than nitroglycerin.
Through constant experimenting, he found that when nitroglycerin was combined with an absorbent inert substance, it became more convenient to handle and safer to use. This new substance, dynamite, was patented in 1867 and adopted in wide usage in mining internationally. It was the first safely manageable explosive that was stronger than black powder.
Continuing his fascination with nitroglycerin, he mixed it with nitrocellulose compounds and developed a transparent, jelly-like substance which was even more powerful than dynamite. It was called gelignite and patented in 1876. Gelignite was more stable and better for the purpose of mining. This invention helped him amass a great deal of wealth.
His brothers became successful and wealthy businessmen exploiting oilfields along the Caspian Sea. Nobel also invested in their business and became very rich.
He formulated a smokeless propellant made from nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin which also contained 10% camphor. This mixture was called ballistite and was patented in 1887.
His brother Ludvig died in Cannes in 1888. Confusing him for his more famous brother, a French newspaper wrongly published the obituary of Alfred Nobel, stating that “the merchant of death is dead”. Alfred was highly upset to realize that this was how he would be remembered after his death.
He wanted to do something to redeem his reputation and left a major portion of his massive wealth for the creation of an international prize fund for honoring eminent personalities in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and for work in peace. His last will, signed on 27th November 1895 laid the foundation for the prize. The first Nobel prizes were awarded in 1901.