Albert Hofmann

Albert Hofmann (11 January 1906 – 29 April 2008) was a Swiss chemist known best for being the first person to synthesize, ingest, and learn of the psychedelic effects of LSD or 'acid'. 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). In 2007, he shared first place, alongside Timothy Leary, in a list of the 100 greatest living geniuses, published by The Telegraph newspaper.

Early life and education

Hofmann was born in Baden, Switzerland on 11 January 1906, the eldest of four children. He began his chemistry study in 1925 at the University of Zurich. His main interest was the chemistry of plants and animals, and he later conducted important research regarding the chemical structure of the common animal substance cholesterol.

Career

In 1938, while working at the pharmaceutical-chemical department of Sandoz Laboratories, Hofmann first synthesized LSD. He was studying derivatives of lysergic acid, including systematically reacting the acid group with various reagents, to produce the analogous amides, anhydrides, esters, etc.

Discovery of LSD

Hofmann's discovery of the effect of LSD in humans occurred on 16 April 1943. He accidentally ingested a small amount of the drug and perceived extraordinary shapes and colors. Three days later, on 19 April 1943, Hofmann intentionally ingested 250 micrograms of LSD, and this day is now celebrated as "Bicycle Day", named for his homebound bicycle ride under the influence of LSD.

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 described LSD as "medicine for the soul" and was frustrated by the worldwide prohibition that has pushed it underground. He died of a heart attack on 29 April 2008, at the age of 102.

Legacy

Hofmann's work on LSD and other hallucinogens was embraced by elements of the counterculture and gave birth to the psychedelic movement of the 1960s and 1970s. His discoveries have had a profound impact on psychiatry and neuroscience, opening up new avenues for understanding the mind and therapeutic possibilities.