Alfred Nobel Biography

Alfred Bernhard Nobel, born on October 21, 1833, was a polymath renowned for his contributions to science, industry, and philanthropy. As a chemist, engineer, inventor, and businessman, he made significant strides in various fields, most notably as the inventor of dynamite. Nobel’s invention revolutionized construction, mining, and warfare, but he is perhaps best remembered as the benefactor of the Nobel Prize.

Alfred Nobel Age, Death, Wife, Biography, & More

Motivated by a desire to leave a positive legacy, Nobel allocated his fortune to establish the prestigious awards, recognizing exceptional contributions to humanity in fields such as peace, literature, science, and economics. His vision for the Nobel Prize endures as a testament to the power of innovation and the pursuit of peace and progress.

Early Life

Alfred Nobel was born into a family of inventors and scholars. Raised alongside three brothers and a sister, his early education, initially at Jacobs Apologistic School in Stockholm, was followed by home tutoring. Under the guidance of Swedish and Russian tutors, he developed a keen interest in various subjects, setting the stage for his future endeavors in science and innovation.

Education

Alfred Nobel’s early education began at Jacobs Apologistic School in Stockholm, Sweden, from 1841 to 1842, after which he received home schooling. His educational qualifications were diverse and meticulously cultivated. Under the tutelage of Swedish tutor Lars Santesson, he delved into Swedish, History, World Literature, and Philosophy.

Nobel also benefited from the teachings of Russian teacher Ivan Peterov, who imparted knowledge in the fundamentals of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Additionally, he received advanced instruction in Chemistry from professors Yuli Trapp and Nikolai N. Zinin, shaping his path toward future scientific endeavors.

Physical Stats

Alfred Nobel’s distinct appearance was characterized by his striking grey eyes and salt-and-pepper hair, reflecting a distinguished presence that matched his significant contributions to science and philanthropy.

Wife and Girlfriend

Alfred Nobel was unmarried at the time of his death but had significant romantic connections. Among them were Alexandra, a Russian, and Bertha von Suttner, a Czech-Austrian pacifist and novelist. He also had a relationship with Sofie Hess, a private employee from Vienna.

Death

Alfred Bernhard Nobel was born on October 21, 1833, in Stockholm, Sweden, and passed away on December 10, 1896, in Sanremo, Italy, at the age of 63. His distinguished career as a chemist, engineer, inventor, and businessman left an indelible mark on the world. Nobel’s legacy as the benefactor of the Nobel Prize and the inventor of dynamite continues to shape modern society. He was a Sagittarius by zodiac sign and proudly represented his Swedish nationality throughout his life, leaving behind a lasting impact on science, industry, and philanthropy.

Family

Alfred Nobel was born to parents of notable achievements. His father, Immanuel Nobel, was an inventor, while his mother, Caroline Andrietta Ahlsell, provided a nurturing environment for Alfred and his siblings. He had three brothers Ludvig Nobel and Robert Nobel, both inventors like their father, and Emil Oskar Nobel. Additionally, he had a sister named Betty Carolina Nobel, rounding out the family circle.

Alfred Nobel Father Immanuel Nobel

Alfred Nobel Mother Caroline Andrietta Ahlsell

Alfred Nobel Brother Ludvig Nobel

Career

Alfred Nobel’s career was distinguished by his remarkable contributions to science, industry, and philanthropy. As the inventor of dynamite, he revolutionized construction, mining, and warfare. However, his enduring legacy lies in his establishment of the Nobel Prizes, a testament to his commitment to honoring those who have made significant contributions to humanity in fields such as peace, literature, science, and economics. Nobel’s profound impact on society continues to be felt, transcending the boundaries of time and discipline.

Net Worth

After his passing, Alfred Nobel’s estate was estimated to be worth approximately 31 million Swedish krona, which translates to more than £126 million ($157 million USD). This substantial fortune reflected the success of his inventions, particularly dynamite, and laid the foundation for the establishment of the Nobel Prizes, which continue to honor outstanding contributions to humanity in various fields.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Alfred Nobel

• In 1891, Nobel moved from Paris to Sanremo, Italy, as he was accused of betraying France for selling Ballistite to Italy.
• In 1893, Uppsala University gave him an honorary doctorate.
• In 1894, he began living in Björkborn Manor in Bofors-Gullspång, an arms industry company, in Sweden. He spent his summers at this mansion, which became his last residence in the country and became a museum after his death.
• He invented ballistite in 1887.
• In 1884, Alfred Nobel was elected a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
• During his life, Alfred Nobel established more than ninety armament factories and issued 355 international patents.
• He mixed Nitroglycerin with an absorbent inert substance that became safer and patented this mixture in 1867 as ‘Dynamite.’
• In 1873, Alfred Nobel moved to a house on Avenue Malakoff in Paris.
• In 1875, he invented gelignite, which was more stable and powerful than dynamite.
• After that, he started his own company Nitroglycerin AB in Vinterviken to work on explosives in a safer area.
• In 1865, he invented a blasting cap.
• From 1865 to 1873, he lived in Krümmel (now part of the municipality of Geesthacht, near Hamburg).
• In 1867, Alfred Nobel invented dynamite, which was easier to use and safer than nitroglycerin. It became widely used in mining and construction.

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