Comic：Alfred Nobel, the man behind the Nobel Prizes
【明報專訊】The Smarties are reading the newspaper.
“ Pat: Wow! This year's Nobel Prizes went to these greatest scientists. ”
“ MoMo: They've made such important contributions to human history. ”
“ Dr Panda: Speaking of the Nobel prizes, shall we go back in time to meet Alfred Nobel?”
“ Pat: Yay! ”
“ MoMo: Is that him? What's he doing there? ”
“ Pat: He looks sad and worried! ”
“ Alfred Nobel: Sigh. I invented dynamite for construction projects but people use it as a weapon. How can I promote world peace? ”
◆Know more
Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833 - 1896) was a Swedish scientist. He is well known for creating the Nobel Prize.
Alfred did not attend school but learned science, foreign languages and literature at home from his private tutors. He was so clever that he mastered four foreign languages. When he was 17, his father sent him abroad to study chemical engineering. After that, he worked at his father's explosives manufacturing factory.
As a scientist, he invented dynamite and other powerful explosives. They were used when building tunnels, roads and railways. Besides explosives, he also helped develop synthetic rubber, synthetic leather and artificial silk. He opened 90 factories in different countries and he held 355 patents worldwide.
During his life, he made an enormous fortune from his inventions and the manufacture of explosives. He signed his last will to establish the Nobel Prize in order to promote scientific advancement, literary achievement and world peace.
■English highway﹕Besides
means ''in addition to'' or '' also'' . Beside means '' next to'' or '' at the side of'' .
e.g. What other musical instruments can you play besides the piano?
My cat always sits beside me.
■Glossary
dynamite (n) 矽藻土炸藥
abroad (adv) 到國外
patent (n) 專利
will (n) 遺囑
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view of rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第336期]
