Acid trip: The history of LSD -- the original psychedelic drug
The Biochemist April 1, 2007 DOI: 10.1042/bio02902020 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | LSD |
| Dose | a few micrograms |
| Topics | LSD |
| Keywords | Roller coaster Art history Visual arts |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key points | Describes Hofmann's first intentional self-administration of LSD, which produced profound perceptual and psychological disturbances at a microgram dose. |
Abstract
In April 1943, Dr Albert Hofmann, a Swiss biochemist, dissolved a few micrograms of a newlysynthesized drug, d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), in a glass of water and drank it. Three-quarters of an hour later, he recorded a growing dizziness, some visual disturbances and a marked desire to laugh. After about an hour he asked his assistant to call a doctor and accompany him home from his research laboratory at the Sandoz Pharmaceutical Company in Zurich, Switzerland. He then climbed onto his bicycle and went on a surreal journey. In Hofmann's mind he was not on the familiar road that led home, but rather a street painted by Salvador Dali, a funhouse roller coaster. When he arrived home a doctor was ordered and found Hofmann physically fine, but mentally distraught.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on LSD, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Experimental Use of Psychedelic (LSD) Psychotherapy | 1970 | Historical analysis | |
| LSD: My Problem Child | 1981 | Historical analysis | |
| On the Use and Abuse of LSD | 1968 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Use of Music in Psychedelic (LSD) Psychotherapy | 1972 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Flashbacks: Recurrent Intrusive Images After the Use of LSD | 1969 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |