Alfred Bernhard Nobel
Man of Power, man of Peace… As the inventor of Dynamite, he
revolutionized the technology of destruction, yet his philanthropic
and humanistic influences, along with his name live on, reaching far
beyond his short life of sixty three years. Few in history are revered
as Alfred Nobel and his numerous inventions; together they changed the
world and his legacy will endure through the ages as a companion to his
eternal tribute to peace.
Born in Stockholm, Sweden, October, 1833, Alfred’s early
life was one of poverty. Early desires to become a writer gave way to
his destiny as an inventor and entrepreneur. As an inventor, Alfred
held the belief that all inventions were symbols of progress that
belonged to all humanity. After a visit to one of the Nobel factories,
King Oscar II of Sweden proposed a toast to the Nobel family “of which
several members have been and remain a credit to Sweden and have made
the name of Sweden honored all over the world”.
In reference to his invention of dynamite, Nobel wrote “I
should like to be able to create a substance or machine with such a
horrific capacity for mass annihilation that wars would become
impossible forever”. Also penned was “War is the horror of all horrors
and the greatest of all crimes”. He never married and had no children
yet in his final will he wrote “Whether or not I am still alive by then
does not matter; what… I have given will live on”.
Following is Alfred Nobel’s last Will and Testament, outlining the purpose of his vast fortune:
TESTAMENT
I, Alfred Bernhard Nobel, Hereby declare, after due
consideration, that this is my last will with regard to the estate that,
at my death I will leave behind…
All of my remaining property shall be handled as follows:
The capital, which is to be invested by the executors in
stable securities, shall constitute a fund, the annual interest on which
shall be awarded as prizes to those persons who during the previous
year have rendered the greatest services to mankind. The interest shall
be divided into five equal parts. One part shall be awarded to the
person who has made the most important discovery or invention in the
realm of physics; one part to the person who has made the most
important chemical discovery or improvement; one part to the person who
has made the most important discovery in the realm of physiology or
medicine; one part to the person who has produced an outstanding work
of literature in an ideal direction; one part to the person who has done
the most and best work for the brotherhood of nations and the
abolishment or reduction of standing armies as well as for the
establishment and spread of peace congresses.
The prizes for physics and chemistry shall be awarded by the
Swedish Academy of Sciences; those for achievements in the realm of
physiology or medicine by the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm; those
for literature by the Stockholm Academy; and those for the promoters of
peace by a committee of five persons to be selected by the Norwegian
Storthing. It is my express wish that the prizes be distributed without
regard to nationality, so that the prizes may be awarded in every case
to the worthiest, whether he be Scandinavian or not.
This last Will and Testament voids any previous instructions
of mine in any other Last Will, if such were to be found after my
death.
As executors of my will I appoint Ragnar Sohlman, a resident
at Bofors, Varmland, and Rudolf Liljequist of 31 Malmskillnadsgatan,
Stockholm, and Bengtfors near Uddevalla.
Paris, the 27th of November 1895
Alfred Bernhard Nobel
Alfred Bernhard Nobel Collection
The Alfred Bernhard Nobel is the thirteenth in the David
Oscarson™ series of Limited Edition writing instruments. Produced in
five color variations, each limited to an aggregate production of 63
pieces (including fountain pens and roller balls), the Nobel Collection
will stand as a lasting tribute to the sixty three years of Alfred
Nobel’s historical life and his enduring influence around the world.
Two divisive elements comprise this Limited Edition that
parallel Alfred Nobel’s life: Destruction and Peace. Inspired by his
invention of dynamite, this one-of-a-kind collection features an
exploding stick of dynamite on the barrel, coupled with a burning fuse
while the years 1833 and 1896 rest at its base. The bottom of the
barrel emulates a blasting cap (another of Nobel’s inventions) engraved
– in Swedish – with the words Varning (Warning) Tändhattar (Blasting
Caps) and Fara (Danger). Four levels of Guilloche engraving are
employed on the barrel, depicting an explosive blast. Four colors of
Hard Enamel are then kiln-fired to the surface of the barrel without
separation, merging outward from White to Yellow to Orange to Red.
By sharp contrast, the Nobel cap features a simple repeating
pattern of a White Dove: the international symbol for peace. Engraved
above is the name of Alfred Bernhard Nobel. Adorning the top of the
crown are the unmistakable three crowns of Sweden, most recognized from
the top of Stadshuset (City Hall) in Stockholm where each year on
December 10th prize winners enjoy dinner and an evening with the King
and Queen of Sweden.
