We wish to extend our commiserations to the family of Albert Hofmann after his passing away on April the 29th 2008, at the age of 102.
Albert Hofmann was the discoverer of the compound LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) and thus was one of those who were responsible for the failed cultural revolution of the 60's. The story of the discovery of LSD has been told many times, but never better than by Hofmann himself.
We direct you to his seminal work, 'LSD: My problem child'.
Albert Hofmann is survived by three children, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Hofmann was always surprised at the impact his discovery made, and was sometimes overwhelmed by the enthusiasm many people had for the compound. Hofmann himself believed that LSD was a potent tool with many potential applications in psychotherapy and analysis, and certainly not a toy with which to get 'high'. The medicinal applications of LSD continue to this day in Switzerland, thanks to sterling work by the MAPS and others.
One commonly held misconception regarding the discovery of LSD is that it was an accidental occurrence - this is not quite correct. LSD was synthesised as part of a project by Sandoz Laboratories (Hofmann's employers) to systematically investigate all possible analogues of Lysergic Acid Amide (LSA) - a naturally occurring chemical found in Ergot of Rye and Morning Glory seeds - and test them for biological effects,
The accident occurred when Hofmann accidentally ingested some LSD through his fingertips (No chemical was known at that time that would be active in such minute amounts). This was later followed by an intentional consumption, and the rest is history.
Albert Hofmann achieved many things in his lifetime, and he often felt that these had been overshadowed by LSD, so in closing, we will ask you to remember the Man, and not the Molecule.
Albert Hofmann
1906 - 2008
1906 - 2008
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