The quote describes a memorable encounter with nitroglycerine early in Alfred Nobel's life during the Crimean War period. Nobel recalls his father and himself witnessing a demonstration by Professor Zinin, who showed how only the part of the nitroglycerine directly hit by a hammer would explode while the rest remained unharmed. This experience likely left a profound impression on the young Nobel and could have influenced his later interest in explosives.
The quote carries deeper implications about the nature of human curiosity and scientific inquiry. It highlights how even dangerous substances like nitroglycerine, which are often associated with destruction and violence, can also serve as objects of fascination and study. The controlled demonstration by Professor Zinin underscores the importance of understanding such materials scientifically rather than through fear or ignorance. Additionally, it hints at the dual nature of scientific discoveries, where advancements in chemistry and physics have both positive applications and potential for misuse.
Alfred Nobel, the author of this quote, was a Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor best known for his invention of dynamite and other forms of explosives. He also established the Nobel Prizes to honor individuals who make significant contributions to peace, literature, physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, and economic sciences. This quote encapsulates an early moment in Nobel's life that influenced his future work in explosives technology and his eventual concern with how such inventions might be used for both constructive and destructive purposes.
