The case for Victor A. Reko--an unrecognized pioneer writer on New World hallucinogens.
V E Tyler
Journal of Natural Products 1979 DOI: 10.1021/np50005a009 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Victor A. Reko, whose 1936 book Magische Gifte included the first modern recognition that teonanácatl was a mushroom rather than a cactus, has not received the recognition he deserves. Contends that his writings on teonanácatl, ololiuqui, and sinicuichi establish him as an important pioneer in the study of New-World psychotropic plants. |
Abstract
Victor A. Reko's book Magische Gifte, in which he recorded a number of original observations on New-World psychotropic drugs including the first modern recognition that teonanácatl was a mushroom and not a cactus, was well received when it first appeared in 1936. However, his contributions to the literature of this and other obscure plant hallucinogens such as ololiuqui and sinicuichi, have not received the recognition they deserve. His writings, evaluated objectively on the bases of modern scientific knowledge and historical evidence, establish Reko as an important pioneer in this field and show his accomplishments worthy of acclaim.