Albert Hofmann Synthesizes LSD: Psychedelic Era Born
Albert Hofmann first synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide, LSD-25, at Sandoz Laboratories in Basel, Switzerland, on November 16, 1938, while researching circulatory and respiratory stimulants from ergot alkaloids. He set it aside for five years. On April 16, 1943, he returned to the compound and accidentally absorbed a small amount through his skin, experiencing restlessness and vivid imagery. Three days later, he deliberately ingested 250 micrograms, what he thought was a threshold dose but was actually several times the effective amount, and rode his bicycle home during the most famous acid trip in history. LSD was marketed by Sandoz as a psychiatric tool. The CIA tested it in Project MKUltra. Timothy Leary promoted it on college campuses. It was banned in 1968. Research into its therapeutic potential resumed in the 2010s.
November 16, 1938
88 years ago
Key Figures & Places
Basel
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Switzerland
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Albert Hofmann
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LSD
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Lysergic acid diethylamide
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Sandoz Laboratories
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chemist
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Swiss
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LSD
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Albert Hofmann
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Novartis
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Basel
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Alcaloide
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Claviceps purpurea
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Psicotrópico
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April 16
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1943
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Mutterkorn
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