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Final Trip for LSD Creator

Chemist Albert Hofmann dies at 102

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 30, 2008 2:40 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The Swiss scientist who formulated LSD and unwittingly helped lay the foundation of  '60s drug culture has died of a heart attack at the age of 102. Albert Hofmann, who called LSD his "problem child," discovered its hallucinatory properties while working on heart stimulants, reports the Washington Post. He believed laws eventually banning the drug halted important research into its potential use as a treatment for schizophrenia.

"I was not surprised that it became a ritual drug in the youth anti-establishment movement, but I was shocked by irresponsible use that resulted in mental catastrophes," he said in an interview. "That's what gave the health authorities a pretext for totally prohibiting its production, possession and use."

LSD, created by Albert Hofmann, became one of the foundations of 60s drug culture.
LSD, created by Albert Hofmann, became one of the foundations of 60s drug culture.   (Magnum Photos)
The mind-altering properties of Albert Hofmann's LSD were among the sources of 60s drug culture and psychedelic imagery.
The mind-altering properties of Albert Hofmann's LSD were among the sources of 60s drug culture and psychedelic imagery.   (Getty Images)
LSD, created by Albert Hofmann, was one of the foundation stones of the 60s hippie drug culture.
LSD, created by Albert Hofmann, was one of the foundation stones of the 60s hippie drug culture.   (Getty Images)
Albert Hofmann, discoverer of the mind-altering drug LSD, died yesterday of a heart attack at his home in Switzerland.
Albert Hofmann, discoverer of the mind-altering drug LSD, died yesterday of a heart attack at his home in Switzerland.   (AP Photo)
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Albert Hofmann, LSD inventor, dies
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US • Science

 
drugs • Novartis • Aldous Huxley • LSD • Timothy Leary • Albert Hofmann • drug culture • hallucinogens • Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies • Lysergic acid diethylamide • Ergot • Ernst Junger

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