Acid trip: The history of LSD -- the original psychedelic drug

In April 1943, Swiss biochemist Albert Hofmann ingested a small amount of a newly synthesized drug, LSD, and experienced dizziness, visual disturbances, and a strong urge to laugh. During his bicycle ride home, he perceived the familiar road as a surreal scene reminiscent of a Salvador Dalí painting and a roller coaster. Although a doctor found him physically healthy, Hofmann was mentally distressed. This account describes the first intentional human experience with LSD, highlighting its profound psychological effects.

Study at a glance

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.