LSD is an unlikely subject for a 100th birthday party. Yet the
Swiss chemist who discovered the mind-altering drug and was its
first human guinea pig celebrated his centenary last Wednesday.
Albert Hofmann at last week’s symposium ”LSD: Problem Child and
Wonder Drug” in Basel, Switzerland. SIGGI BUCHER, REUTERS The
United States banned LSD in 1966, and other countries followed
suit. Now, there are a host of other drugs – prescribed and
illegal – that cause worry because of the damage they can do if
abused: Officially known as lysergic acid diethylamide, but
street names included "blotter," "window pane" and "acid."
Discovered in 1938. Banned in U.S. in 1966. Albert Hofmann - who
lives in Geneva, Switzerland, with his wife of 70 years, Anita -
has had good and bad experiences with the drug, yet continues to
insist it should be legalized for medical treatment,
particularly in psychiatric research. Since the drug exaggerated
inner problems and conflicts, Hofmann and his scientific
colleagues had hoped it might b