Dr. Albert Hofmann (1906-Present) is none other than the Swiss chemist who created the most enigmatic, and strangest chemical known to man, LSD-25. He first synthesized Lysergic Acid Diethylamide from ergot alkaloids in 1938, and, after tests on animals, found that the substance wasn't very interesting or helpful to his work. Five years later in 1943, Hofmann went back because he felt he missed something, and, after accidentally ingesting the substance through his fingers, became the first human to ever experience the magical effects of LSD. Three days later on April 19 (Day before 4:20, interestingly enough), 1943, Hofmann purposely ingested 250 mcg of the substance. This day is known as Bicycle Day. As of today, Hofmann is still alive and well at the ripe old age of 100 years.
Dr. Albert Hofmann is the Father of LSD-25.
Thank Dr. Hofmann.
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Albert Hofmann (January 11, 1906 – April 29, 2008) was a Swiss scientist best known for having been the first to synthesize, ingest and learn of the psychedelic effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Hofmann authored more than 100 scientific articles and wrote a number of books, including LSD: My Problem Child. On January 11, 2006, Hofmann became a centenarian, and the occasion of his 100th birthday was the focus of an international symposium on LSD.
Hofmann knew he had indeed made a significant discovery after the first LSD trip, which during, he rode his bike home.
A psychoactive substance with extraordinary potency, capable of causing paradigm shifts of consciousness in incredibly low doses, Hofmann foresaw the drug as a powerful psychiatric tool; due to its intense and introspective nature, he couldn’t imagine anyone using it recreationally.
Hoffman always expressed his disappointment with LSD eventually being criminalised, saying the drug had the potential to deal with psychological problems caused by "materialism, alienation from nature through industrialisation and increasing urbanisation, lack of satisfaction in professional employment in a mechanised, lifeless working world, ennui and purposelessness in wealthy, saturated society, and lack of a religious, nurturing, and meaningful philosophical foundation of life"
He will always be remembered, loved, and respected by a much larger group of people than just the psychedelic community. Despite the controversy, Hoffman became a celebrated figure in the scientific community, and in his retirement served as a member of the Nobel Prize Committee as well as being a Fellow of the World Academy of Sciences.
In 1988 the Albert Hoffman Foundation was created "to assemble and maintain an international library and archive devoted to the study of human consciousness and related fields."
Albert Hofmann was the first to discover and synthesize LSD.
Albert Hofmann called LSD "medicine for the soul"
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