LSD: Albert Hofmann’s "Problem Child"

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 11 Issue 6 (2006) pp 413-420

LSD: Albert Hofmann’s “Problem Child”

George B. Kauffman,*^† Isaac Mayo, and G. Wayne Craig^‡

^†Department of Chemistry, California State University, Fresno, Fresno, CA 93740-8034, georgek@csufresno.edu, ^‡ Syngenta AG, Lead Finding, WRO.1060.1.36, Rosental CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland, gerald_wayne.craig@syngenta.com

Published online: 1 December 2006

Abstract. On the occasion of Albert Hofmann’s 100th birthday this is the first of three related articles in this issue. It sketches the circumstances surrounding his discovery of LSD, its use as an adjunct to meditation, creativity, and conscience expansion, and treatment of the mentally ill as well as its abuse as a pleasure drug. The second article (pp 421-426) deals with how LSD led to a revolution in the pharmaceutical industry, inspiring researchers to understand how the structure of a chemical is recognized and how this recognition triggers a physiological response. The third article (pp 427-436) discusses Hofmann’s life and career, including all aspects of his multifaceted activities. We are also reviewing a Festschrift commemorating his centenary (pp 451-452).

Key Words: Chemistry and History; biography

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: georgek@csufresno.edu)

Article in PDF format (180 KB) HTML format