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Albert Hofmann. Photo By Philip H. Bailey.

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Albert Hofmann

Albert Hofmann is a Swiss chemist who discovered the psychedelic drug lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).

He was born on 11^th January 1906 in Baden Switzerland.

His discovery of the unique properties of LSD was an accident, when he accidentally ingested the compound in his laboratory.

Out of his experience, that day, and subsequent experiments his curiosity to develop a drug to be used in Mental Health treatment was born.

The compound (LSD) was first synthesized in 1938 by isolating compounds found in ergot (Claviceps purpurea) a fungus affecting rye.

He died on the 29th of April 2008 aged 102 years after suffering a heart attack. His contribution to psychedelics cannot be understated.

1. Born in a Poor Swedish Family

Albert Hofmann was born in Baden, Switzerland on 11 January 1906.He was the first of four children to a factory toolmaker Adolf Hofmann and his wife Elisabeth.

Hofmann started working at an early age when his father fell ill. He obtained a position as a commercial apprentice to support his family.

2 He studied Chemistry at the University of Z眉rich

University of Z眉rich main building. Photo by Roland zh.

At the age of 20, Hofmann began his chemistry degree at the University of Z眉rich, finishing three years later in 1929.

His own father could not afford to pay his college fee however  his godfather paid for his education.

Hofmann’s main interest was the chemistry of plants and animals, and he later conducted important research on the chemical structure of the common animal substance chitin, for which he received his doctorate with distinction in 1929.

3 He discovered the psychedelic drug lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in 1938

Novartis Headquarters in Basel(The company that houses Sandoz as a division). Photo By Silesia711

His first job upon graduation was at Sandoz Laboratories in Basel(currently Novartis division). He was assigned to a program developing methods for synthesizing compounds found in medicinal plants.

It is while in this program and conducting a search for new medicines by trying to stabilize lysergic acid when he ended up synthesizing a compound called lysergic acid diethyl amine, or LSD. 

It was there while testing the properties of ergot derivatives (analeptic stimulants and a derivative of a fungal compound used in migraine medicine) that Hofmann stumbled upon LSD-25 (the 25th such derivative tested) in 1938.

Later, he accidentally exposed himself to it and felt dizzy with hallucinations.

Hofmann鈥檚 initial discovery was set aside for five years until April 1943.

4. The fascinating “bicycle trip experiment”

After accidentally absorbing a small amount of the synthesized drug and experiencing dreamlike hallucinations, it inspired his subsequent experiments which included deliberate ingestion of the substance.

One such experiment is historically referred to as 鈥渢he bicycle trip鈥�. In this experiment, he deliberately ingested 25milligrams of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) forcing his assistant to escort him back home.

Upon arrival his wife had to call in a doctor to check on him until he recovered. Later Hoffman described the session as the most hallucinogenic effect he has ever had in his life.

This is day is commemorated around the world on April 19th, though it鈥檚 not exactly a celebration of the bicycle.

Instead, the international holiday honors the fortuitous trip made on a bicycle on the day Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann discovered the psychic effects of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide while riding home from his lab.

5 Believed LSD Could be Used in the Therapeutic Treatment of Schizophrenics and other Psychiatric Patients

He spent years investigating LSD鈥檚 hallucinogenic properties in the belief that the drug would one day be useful in the therapeutic treatment of schizophrenics and other psychiatric patients. While openly disapproving of the casual recreational use that came to define the drug in the 1960s.

Throughout his life he argued that, when taken under controlled circumstances and with full knowledge of the possible effects of the drug, could treat psychiatric disorders.

6 He continued the Study and Discovered More Hallucinogenic Substances.

Hofmann later became a director in charge of  Sandoz’s natural products department. 

However, he continued studying hallucinogenic substances throughout the world and had the opportunity to research active compounds in Mexican mushrooms and other plants used in spiritual rituals by aboriginal people there.

Hofmann later discovered 4-Acetoxy-DET, an essential amino acid, with hallucinogenic tryptamine. It was first synthesized 4-AcO-DET in 1958 in the Sandoz lab, though it was later prohibited in Sweden.

In 1959 he became the first person to isolate chemically pure ergine,  when he researched on the seeds of the Mexican morning glory species Turbina corymbosa, which are called “ololiuqui” by natives. The active compound found in the plant traditionally used as a sacrament in ancient south america religious practices.

To his surprise, he found out that the active compound (LSA, lysergic acid amide) to be closely related to LSD.

7 The Drug was Commercially Distributed Under the Brand Name Delysid.

Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, his employer at the time, tried to promote LSD as a drug to treat psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia under the trade name Delysid by sending samples to psychiatrists鈥攁nd the compound was briefly used as the treatment du jour in conjunction with psychoanalysis.

8 The Use of LSD was Banned due to Misuse by Teens and Artists.

In the late 1950s and 1960s the drug use was restricted to medics only, however it was abused . In 1966 it was banned in the United States of California and Newyork City followed suit in 1970.

9. He Won Several Awards and Accolades for his Research.

Swiss Institute of Technology in Z眉rich (ETH) where Hoffman Received his Honorary Doctorate. Photo By ZachT.

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) honored him with the title Doctor of Science  (honoris causa) in 1969.

In 1971 the Swedish Pharmaceutical Association granted him the Scheele Award, which commemorates the skills and achievements of the Swedish Pomerania chemist and pharmacist Carl Wilhelm Scheele.

10 He Died of  a Heart Attack in his Home in Basel

Hofmann suffered a heart attack and  died on 29th April 2008 at the age of 102. He is remembered as the first person to synthesize lysergic acid diethylamide, better known as LSD, and the first human is known to experience its mind-bending effects.