Albert Hofmann Autograph

Profession:
(1906-2008) Swiss scientist known best for being the first person to synthesize, ingest, and learn of the psychedelic effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

Year of Birth: 1906

Albert Hofmann (1906-2008) was a Swiss chemist and pharmacologist known for his discovery of the psychedelic effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Born in Baden, Switzerland, Hofmann studied chemistry at the University of Zurich and graduated in 1929 with a PhD in chemistry.

In 1938, Hofmann joined the pharmaceutical-chemical department at Sandoz Laboratories (now Novartis) in Basel, Switzerland. It was there that he first synthesized LSD-25 in 1938 while researching the ergot fungus. However, it wasn't until 1943 that he accidentally ingested a small amount of the compound and experienced its hallucinogenic effects.

This accidental discovery led Hofmann to continue researching the compound's potential therapeutic uses. He believed that LSD had the potential to treat various mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. However, due to its increasing recreational use and subsequent banning in the 1960s, research on LSD was severely restricted.

Despite the controversy surrounding LSD, Hofmann continued his work as a researcher and published over 100 scientific papers throughout his career. He also wrote several books, including "LSD: My Problem Child," in which he discussed the history and potential uses of the compound.

Albert Hofmann's discovery of LSD had a profound impact on the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and pharmacology, sparking interest in the study of psychedelics and their effects on the human mind. His work continues to influence research in these areas to this day.

Albert Hofmann passed away in 2008 at the age of 102. He is remembered as a pioneering scientist whose groundbreaking discovery opened doors to new ways of understanding consciousness and the human experience.