Product Description

This is the story of LSD told by a concerned yet hopeful father, organic chemist Albert Hofmann. He traces LSD's path from a promising psychiatric research medicine to a recreational drug sparking hysteria and prohibition.

We follow Dr. Hofmann's trek across Mexico to discover sacred plants related to LSD, and listen in as he corresponds with other notable figures about his remarkable discovery.

Underlying it all is Dr. Hofmann's powerful conclusion that mystical experience may be our planet's best hope for survival. Whether induced by LSD, meditation, or arising spontaneously, such experiences help us to comprehend "the wonder, the mystery of the divine‹in the microcosm of the atom, in the macrocosm of the spiral nebula, in the seeds of plants, in the body and soul of people."

More than sixty years after the birth of Albert Hofmann's problem child, his vision of its true potential is more relevant, and more needed, than ever.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #188225 in Books
• Published on: 2005-12-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 232 pages

Language Notes
Text: English, German (translation)

About the Author
Albert Hofmann was born in Baden, Switzerland in 1906. He graduated from the University of Zürich with a degree in chemistry in 1929 and went to work for Sandoz Pharmaceutical in Basel, Switzerland. With the laboratory goal of working towards isolation of the active principles of known medicinal plants, Hofmann worked with Mediterranean squill (Scilla maritima) for several years, before moving on to the study of Claviceps purpurea (ergot) and ergot alkaloids.

Over the next few years, he worked his way through the lysergic acid derivatives, eventually synthesizing LSD-25 for the first time in 1938. After minimal testing, LSD-25 was set aside as he continued with other derivatives. Four years later, on April 16, 1943, he re-synthesized LSD-25 because he felt he might have missed something the first time around. That day, he became the first human to experience the effects of LSD after accidentally ingesting a minute amount. Three days later, on April 19, 1943, he decided to verify his results by intentionally ingesting 250 ug of LSD. This day has become known as "Bicycle Day" as Hofmann experienced an incredible bicycle ride on his way home from the lab.

In addition to his discovery of LSD, he was also the first to synthesize psilocybin (the active constituent of 'magic mushrooms') in 1958. Albert Hofmann, known as the 'father of LSD', continued to work at Sandoz until 1971 when he retired as Director of Research for the Department of Natural Products. Since that time he has continued to write, lecture, and play a leading role as an elder in the psychedelic community.

Customer Reviews

Enlightening but not Riveting
While this book does share some of the background on the development of LSD and investigations into other natural physchedelics by Hofmann et.al., the book is as eloquent as you would expect a translated book originally written by a German chemist. Hofmann also shares his and many other peoples' personal trials with LSD, and delves into the spiritual mysticism of the drug. I would recommend it for the more science-minded individuals.

a third way through book. fascinating. RIP Albert
Clears up a lot of the misconceptions. Got book through drug legalization lobby I give money to. What a Brilliant guy!!

The Ultimate Perscription
There are a few books in the world that are touchstones for our psyches. This is one of them. It should be read by all young people coming of age, regardless of their position on the use of mind altering substances. It should be re-read every 10 years or so as they mature and their world view evolves. For those experienced with exploring internal frontiers it should be checked in with every 10 years or so as well. In just 209 pages of straight forward text some of the fundamental first principles of reality, and our relationship to it, are spilled out onto us without the need for preaching, screeching, moralizing, or deciphering obscure philosophical and scientific texts.

It should be read by every political leader in the world, and you won't find too many people who'd disagree with that!