Albert Hofmann

About

Swiss scientist who was the first person to synthesize, ingest, and learn of the psychedelic effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). He wrote numerous books including LSD: My Problem Child.

Before Fame

At the University of Zürich he studied the chemistry of plants and animals.

Trivia

Far from its eventual use, he intended the new chemical compound, LSD, he created to help with respiratory diseases, or even childbirth and for a period it was even given to patients by their psychiatrists.

Family Life

His father Adolf Hoffman was a factory worker.

Associated With

He discovered LSD, but Timothy Leary, who he knew, made it popular.