Adventures in Research – Dynamite. ep194, 461008

Before the atomic age, the most powerful compponent known was dynamite,, but eeven it is a fairly new invention. It came about after years of using black powder. Alfred Nobel conducted
experiments to improve the efficiency of black powder, while making nitro glycerine more stable and safe to use.

Tragedy forces him to relocate his nitro glycerine plant, but his products became widely used in the railroad industry. To make it safe, nitro glycerine is combbined with other chemicals to change it from its liquid state to a safe to handle solid form. Dynamite is created.

In his later years Alfred Nobel developed a heart ailment, and discovered his own cure, nitro glyceerine pills. He also developed a proposal for world wide awards for advancements in various areas of science and arts. The prizes were to be awarded without regard to nationality, a prize for peace towards mankind around the world. A roll call of winners of the Nobel Prize for Peace is shared, with a hope that peace will win out over war.