Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD): a report on its effects and psychotherapeutic use

Lysergic acid diethylamide, LSD, was accidentally discovered by Dr. Albert Hofmann in 1943 while he was working as a research chemist for Sandoz Laboratories. In the course of synthesizing some derivatives of ergot, Hofmann was overcome by rather peculiar sensations, suddenly becoming tired and restless . Objects in the laboratory began to take on strange shapes . His dream-like state persisted and he was later to say that he was "seized by an irrestible urge to lie down and sleep.... daylight was unpleasantly intense" (Remmen, Cohen, Ditman, & Frantz.1962).