The "inventor" of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
Hofmann was the first person to synthesize, ingest and learn of its psychedelic effects. He first synthesized LSD on November 16, 1938, to obtain a respiratory and circulatory stimulant (an analeptic). It was set aside until April 19, 1943, when he decided to reexamine it and while doing so accidentally absorbed a small quantity through his fingertips and discovered its powerful effects.
