99% Invisible The Infernal Machine
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Oct 1, 2024 In this captivating discussion, Stephen Johnson, author of "The Infernal Machine" and expert on science and technology history, dives into the dual legacy of dynamite. He reveals how Alfred Nobel’s invention aimed at construction was twisted by anarchists for destruction. The conversation explores the anarchist movement's impact on law enforcement, the evolution of fingerprint science, and how these innovations inform modern surveillance practices. Johnson's insights illuminate the complex intersection of technology and societal change.
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Early Explosives
- For a millennium, explosives relied on gunpowder.
- Nitroglycerin, discovered later, proved too unstable for safe use.
Nobel's Pursuit
- Alfred Nobel sought to control nitroglycerin's volatility.
- A lab explosion, killing his brother, highlighted the urgency.
Dynamite's Impact
- Nobel stabilized nitroglycerin by mixing it with sand, creating dynamite.
- This invention revolutionized infrastructure development, boosting productivity.
