Albert Hofmann

Date of Birth: January 11, 1906

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: April 29, 2008

Biography

Albert Hofmann was a Swiss scientist best known for discovering the psychoactive substance lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Born in Baden, Switzerland, Hofmann grew up in a modest household and showed early interest in nature and chemistry. He pursued his studies at the University of Zürich, where he earned his doctorate in chemistry in 1929. After his studies, Hofmann joined the pharmaceutical-chemical department of Sandoz Laboratories (now Novartis) in Basel, Switzerland. It was at Sandoz Labs that Hofmann first synthesized LSD in 1938 while researching lysergic acid derivatives. However, it wasn’t until five years later, in 1943, that he discovered its potent psychoactive properties after accidentally ingesting a small amount. This event led to his famous “Bicycle Day” experience, where he intentionally took a larger dose and experienced the world’s first intentional acid trip while riding his bicycle home. Hofmann continued his research into hallucinogenic substances, investigating various natural psychedelics, including psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms. He authored numerous scientific papers and books on the subject, contributing significantly to the field of psychopharmacology. Hofmann’s work had a profound impact on science, medicine, and countercultural movements. He lived a long and active life, passing away in 2008 at the age of 102.

5 Interesting Facts about Albert Hofmann

1. Albert Hofmann first synthesized LSD on November 16, 1938, but its psychoactive properties were not discovered until April 19, 1943.

2. He referred to LSD as his “problem child” due to its controversial impact on society despite its potential therapeutic benefits.

3. Hofmann was also the first to isolate, synthesize, and name the principal psychedelic mushroom compounds, psilocybin and psilocin.

4. He received the Swiss Chemical Society’s prestigious Scheele Medal in 1971 for his contributions to chemistry.

5. Hofmann was a strong advocate for the responsible use of psychedelics in therapeutic and research settings and believed in their potential to unlock new levels of understanding of the human psyche.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Albert Hofmann

1. “LSD, my problem child.”

2. “The true importance of LSD and related hallucinogens lies in their capacity to shift the wavelength setting of the receiver of reality.”

3. “I think that in human evolution it has never been as necessary to have this substance LSD. It is just a tool to turn us into what we are supposed to be.”

4. “I share the belief of many of my contemporaries that the experience of LSD, provided it is carefully and cautiously conducted, may be able to provide a greater understanding of the human mind.”

5. “I see the true importance of LSD in the possibility of providing material aid to meditation aimed at the mystical experience of a deeper, comprehensive reality.”