Alfred Nobel (1833-1896)
He invented dynamite in 1867, and gelignite in 1875.
In 1888, the death of his brother Ludvig supposedly caused several newspapers to publish obituaries of Alfred in error. One French newspaper condemned him for his invention of military explosives and this is said to have brought about his decision to leave a better legacy after his death. The obituary supposedly stated, "The merchant of death is dead",
Nobel read the obituary and was appalled at the idea that he would be remembered in this way. His decision to posthumously donate the majority of his wealth to found the Nobel Prize has been credited to him wanting to leave behind a better legacy.
Physics, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Chemistry, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Physiology or Medicine, Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute
Literature, Swedish Academy
Peace, Norwegian Nobel Committee
Economics. Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
