Albert Hofmann
Albert Hofmann (pronounced: Al-bert Hof-man) was a Swiss chemist known for being the first person to synthesize, ingest, and learn of the psychedelic effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Hofmann was also the first person to isolate, synthesize, and name the principal psychedelic mushroom compounds psilocybin and psilocin. He authored more than 100 scientific articles and numerous books, including LSD: Mein Sorgenkind (LSD: My Problem Child).
Early life and education
Albert Hofmann was born in Baden, Switzerland on January 11, 1906. He became interested in the chemistry of plants and animals, and later studied chemistry at the University of Zurich, where he graduated in 1929.
Career
Hofmann joined Sandoz Laboratories (now a subsidiary of Novartis), located in Basel, where he worked with chemist Arthur Stoll, founder and director of the pharmaceutical department. He began studying the medicinal plant squill and the fungus ergot as part of a program to purify and synthesize active constituents for use as pharmaceuticals.
Discovery of LSD
His main contribution to the field of psychedelic research was the discovery of LSD, a semi-synthetic derivative of ergot alkaloids, in 1938. However, it was not until 1943 that he discovered its psychedelic properties. Hofmann accidentally ingested a small amount of LSD and experienced its effects, which he described as a "not unpleasant intoxicated-like condition". This marked the first acid trip in history and opened a new era in the study of psychoactive substances.
Later life and death
Hofmann continued to work at Sandoz until 1971 when he retired as Director of Research for the Department of Natural Products. He subsequently wrote numerous books and articles on the topic of psychedelics. Hofmann died on April 29, 2008, at the age of 102.
See also
References
- Hofmann, Albert. LSD: My Problem Child. McGraw-Hill, 1980.
- Shulgin, Alexander. PIHKAL: A Chemical Love Story. Transform Press, 1991.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Albert Hofmann
- Wikipedia's article - Albert Hofmann
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