LSD is not one of those substances that you can find in the garden; in fact, it is the synthetic product of a precise combination of chemical compounds. It was Alber Hoffmann who discovered lysergic acid diethylamide, a man who unwittingly created a cultural generation thousands of miles away from hippie Haight-Ashbury.
Albert Hofmann was born in Baden, Switzerland, on January 11, 1906. He came from a family of humble origins, so much so that his uncle paid the costs of the University of Zurich, once his affinity for chemistry. Hofmann received his doctorate in 1929 and went to work for the Sandoz laboratoriesa pharmaceutical company still in business today.
Hoffmann was particularly interested in studying the mushroom Claviceps purpureapopularly known by its French appellation ergot. Ascomycete was able to produce hallucinations and very serious side effectsif consumed. The chemist was trying to synthesize a drug capable of treating schizophrenia, depression, dementia and other mental illnesses, without obtaining the unpleasant consequences offered by theergot. Thus was born, at the twenty-fifth attempt, the synthetic compound LSD-25.
Despite Hoffmann’s handling, LSD, in addition to its mental health benefits, resulted in a new set of side effects, including restless sleep and interrupted consciousness; hence, the substance was shelved and all but forgotten in 1938.
You may have read somewhere that Hoffmann accidentally discovered the formula for LSD, but that’s not the case: after the setback in 1938, the chemist continued to work on it over the years, using all his strength; until, on April 16, 1943, ingested a small portion of the compound. It is this last detail that actually happened by chance, as it also happened for the California restorer.
“Not unpleasant condition, similar to intoxication” it is with these words that Albert Hoffmann quoted his experience, also describing a sensitive perception of the brilliance of the colours, followed by a kaleidoscope of geometric patterns and intense images. Three days later, she decided to intentionally give herself a 250 microgram dose.
The effects started when Hofmann is returned home by bicyclewhich is why April 19 is now known among supporters of Hofmann’s work as Bicycle Day.
[Reality Sandwich]
