Dynamite
Alfred Nobel, Sweden, patents from 1867. Stabilized nitroglycerin that moved earth and ended wars' stalemates.
Overview
Nobel patented kieselguhr-stabilized nitroglycerin as dynamite, making blasting safe enough for canals, mines, and railroads. The earlier nitroglycerin headaches, including a factory explosion that killed his brother, drove him to the diatomaceous earth solution. Dynamite built the Panama Canal and the Alps tunnels. Nobel grew enormously wealthy on global patents. His will created the prizes bearing his name, including the ironic peace prize. Blasting cap patents completed the system.
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