Nitroglycerin processing plant, explosives factory, Val Bormida, near Cengio, North West Italy, 1888. Nitroglycerin mixed with Kieselghur (a diatomaceous earth) to produce Dynamite. Patented by Alfred Nobel (1833-1896) in 1867, Dynamite a more stable high explosive than gunpowder and nitroclycernin, and quickly gained popularity for blasting in mining, tunnelling and quarrying. Because of the instablility of the materials used in its production, earth embankments separate each building and surround the whole complex. The roofs of the buildings were not fixed so that in the event of an explosion the blast would travel vertically rather than horizontally. From 'La Nature', Paris, 1888. Engraving.

Women packing dynamite cartridges, 1888. Explosives factory at, Val Bormida, near Cengio, North West Italy. Nitroglycerin was mixed with Kieselghur (a diatomaceous earth) to produce Dynamite. Patented by Alfred Nobel (1833-1896) in 1867. Dynamite is a more stable high explosive than gunpowder and nitroclycernin and quickly gained popularity for blasting in mining, tunnelling and quarrying. A blasting cap was used to activate the Dynamite. From 'La Nature', Paris, 1888. Engraving. .

A portrait of Alfred Nobel, taken not long before his death in 1896. Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833-1896), Swedish chemist and inventor, joined his father in the business of manufacturing explosives. He studied explosives like nitroglycerin, and discovered ways to make them safer to use. In 1867, he patented dynamite (a mixture of nitroglycerine and an inert clay). He also produced more powerful explosives, such as blasting gelatin (gelignite, patented in 1876). These patents, and his other businesses, made him extremely wealthy. When he died in 1896, his will directed that the bulk of his fortune be used to set up the Nobel Prizes. These are awarded annually for outstanding contributions in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and world peace. Color enhancement of BM8732.

This is an undated photo of the founder of the Nobel Foundation Alfred Nobel. The Swedish industrialist is also the inventor of dynamite. (AP Photo)

FILE - The last will of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, establishing that the proceeds from the estate shall be distributed