Could nitroglycerine poisoning be the cause of Alfred Nobel's anginal pains and premature death?

Abstract

The life of 19th century Swedish chemist cum inventor Alfred Nobel can be conveniently divided into two equal phases: pre-nitroglycerine phase (1833-1863) and nitroglycerine phase (1864-1896). According to the records of Ragnar Sohlman, his assistant during his last year of life, Nobel's physical condition began to decline towards the end of the 1870s, and for the last 16 years he suffered from deep depression and anginal pains. Based on Nobel's descriptions of his condition, on his prolonged experimentation with explosives, his strenuous work habit and some recent knowledge about nitroglycerine poisoning, I hypothesize that nitroglycerine poisoning was an aggravating factor which contributed to Nobel's deteriorating health and premature death at the age of 63.

• Authors: S S Kantha
• Journal: Medical hypotheses (Med Hypotheses) Vol. 49 Issue 4 Pg. 303-6 (Oct 1997) ISSN: 0306-9877 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9352499 (Publication Type: Biography, Historical Article, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Vasodilator Agents
• Nitroglycerin

Topics

• Angina Pectoris (chemically induced, mortality)
• Cause of Death
• Depression (chemically induced)
• History, 19th Century
• Humans
• Nitroglycerin (poisoning)
• Vasodilator Agents (poisoning)