LSD :: essays research papers

On October 27, 1906, a child by the name of Albert Hofmann was born(Albert, 1). This child would grow up to diversify the world forever. His research would create of subcultures of both the 1970&8217s and 1990&8217s. His discoveries would cause both grief and delight. His work in pharmacology brought the world one of the most marvellous discoveries of the 20th century, lysergic acid diethylamideIt was a prosaic day in July, 1938 when Swiss chemist, Albert Hofmann, first discovered Lysergic Acid Diethylamide(LSD). He was hoping to discover a new circulatory and respiratory stimulant, when he stumbled upon one of the world&8217s most horrifying man-made substances however, when this phenomenon was first tested it had no effects on the lab animals, so its study was discontinued.LSD&8217s study was revived in 1943, when research indicated it could potentially be used as treatment for schizophrenia, due to its similarity in structure to Nicatamide, a chemical found in the human brain, which directly affects the experiences of a Schizophrenic (DEA,1). On April 16, 1943, while Dr. Hofmann was measuring a fresh measuring of LSD, he accidentally dosed himself and was overcome with confusion. He was then obligated to leave work due to &8220a sensation of mild dizziness and &8220extreme exercise of imagination.(Discovery, 2) On April 19, 1943, at exactly 420 pm, Dr. Albert Hofmann ingested 0.25 mg. of liquid LSD and journeyed on the first intentional &8220acid trip. In 1947, Dr. Hofmann&8217s employers, Sandoz Laboratories, began marketing LSD in Europe. It was introduced into the United States a year later. They advertised it &8220as a cure for everything from schizophrenia to criminal behavior, &8216sexual perversions,&8217 and alcoholism.(Henderson/Glass, 40) Sandoz Laboratories urged many doctors to experiment with LSD to assemble further knowledge of experiences which may occur to a Schizophrenic.The effects of LSD are completely unpredictable. The user usuall y experiences wild mood swings and the sensation of odour multiple emotions at once. Colors seem more intense and objects appear to move in an almost stroboscopic manner. It has also been known for the user to feel as though they are seeing sounds and hearing colors. If a large enough dose is taken, the drug may produce perceptual delusions and hallucinations.