Albert Hofmann

Swiss chemist (1906–2008)

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Switzerland rank#79

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Momentum0.9
Switzerland rank#79
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Lived 1906–2008, aged 102Switzerland

Switzerland ScientistsScientist

Wikipedia
66 languages
Cross-language footprint
Rank in Switzerland
#79
Scientists
Era
1906–2008
Aged 102
Known for
Take Your Pills
2018

Summary

Updated 2026-06-21

The Swiss chemist who synthesized LSD in 1938, then five years later became the first human to experience its effects — launching both a cultural phenomenon and decades of scientific controversy.

Biography

About

Albert Hofmann was born on 11 January 1906 in Switzerland and trained as a chemist. In 1929 he discovered the structure of chitin, but his name would become tied to a different molecule entirely. He first synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide in 1938, then in 1943 ingested it and documented the psychedelic effects that would reshape pharmacology and counterculture alike. His team later isolated and named psilocybin and psilocin, the active compounds in psychedelic mushrooms. He authored more than 100 scientific articles and several books, including LSD: Mein Sorgenkind (LSD: My Problem Child)…

Voice

In their own words

Sourced, dated quotes from Albert Hofmann

Albert Hofmann

said7 Jan 2006

I know LSD; I don't need to take it anymore. Maybe when I die, like Aldous Huxley.

— As quoted in "Nearly 100, LSD's Father Ponders His 'Problem Child'" (7 January 2006)

Albert Hofmann

said7 Jan 2006

Outside is pure energy and colorless substance. All of the rest happens through the mechanism of our senses. Our eyes see just a small fraction of the light in the world.

— As quoted in "Nearly 100, LSD's Father Ponders His 'Problem Child'" (7 January 2006)

Albert Hofmann

said7 Jan 2006