It was 1938 when scientist Albert Hofmann, working in a Swiss laboratory for Sandoz Pharmaceuticals and searching for a chemical blood stimulant, produced the twenty-fifth substance in a series of lysergic acid derivatives: lysergic acid diethylamide, which he abbreviated LSD-25.

No further mention of the substance is known for five years.  Then, on April 16, 1943, Albert Hofmann accidentally absorbed a small amount (probably through his fingertips) while in his lab.  He recounts the experience as "an uninterrupted stream of fantastic pictures, extraordinary shapes with intense kaleidoscope-like play of colors," and gave the world a scientist’s first analysis of LSD.

Based on the premise that lysergic acid diethylamide produced the effect, and with a scientist’s curiosity, Hofmann decides to recreate the experience.  Three days later he carefully calculates what he believes enough LSD to generate a similar effect: 250 micrograms, which he dilutes in a glass of water and drinks.  Mildly put, 250 micrograms was a miscalculation.  The first two hours were far more intense than his accidental experience and, fearing he just might be going insane, Hofmann asked an aide to summon a doctor.

Hofmann’s vital signs registered normal, the only visible change being extremely dilated pupils, behind which the real action was taking place.  After the initial impact passed, as did his fright, Hofmann entered a comfort zone.  Closing his eyes produced a kaleidoscope of "unprecedented colors and plays of shapes."  And he marveled how "every acoustic perception," like the sound of a passing car, "became transformed into optical perceptions" with "consistent form and color."  Literally, sound became visible.

When the effect wore off, Hofmann was completely exhausted and went to bed.  The next morning he felt "a sensation of well-being and renewed life flowed through me."  When he later walked through his garden, the sun shining after a spring rain, " everything glistened and sparkled in a fresh light."  And "all my senses vibrated in a condition of highest sensitivity."  His world seemed different, "newly created."

Significant to Hofmann was "I could remember the experience of LSD inebriation in every detail."  This led to his conclusion that "the conscious recording function was not interrupted," even after experiencing a "profound breakdown of the normal worldview."  He was further surprised LSD produced "such a far-reaching, powerful state" without a trace of hangover.  He felt great, mentally and physically.  So he told a few pals.

Hofmann sent a detailed report to Professor Werner Stoll, head of the pharmaceutical department at Sandoz, and copied Ernst Rothlin, the director of the pharmacological department.  Both men were astounded, as never before had any known substance displayed any such effect in fraction-of-milligram doses.  It seemed almost unbelievable.  So Rothlin, along with two colleagues, repeated Hofmann’s experiment, only with a dose of 80 micrograms.  (Curious but cautious, those scientists.)  Even at such a reduced level of LSD, the effect was deemed impressive and fantastic.  "All doubts about the statements in my report," Hofmann would write, "were eliminated."

All this happened in 1943, let’s not forget.  Long before Timothy Leary and Peter Max and Ken Kesey’s Merry Pranksters, before Tom Wolfe authored his Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test and the gonzo Hunter S. Thompson, before the Grateful Dead and Pink Floyd and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.  And before just about all else from the 60s and 70s we’ve come to associate with LSD.