LSD and the Divine Scientist

This book is a jewel box of the many facets of Hofmanns mind: as a pure scientist and still in love with the discipline, as a science mystic making a clear-eyed case for the need for the two to blend, as a nature mystic drawing out the implications envisioned and verified in altered states, and as a philosopher of science grappling with the hard questions of death and the fabric of reality itself. Each essay was a rare mix--profound and readable. The essay by Alex Grey about the symbolism in his cover portrait of Hofmann is the perfect conclusion. * James Fadiman, author of The Psychedelic Explorers Guide * Albert Hofmanns creation of LSD and identification of psilocybin had and continues to have a deep and lasting impact on psychiatry, and even more so on Western culture and spirituality. This invaluable collection reveals how, in his personal life, Albert leaned more toward spirituality than psychotherapy. In LSD and the Divine Scientist, Albert Hofmann reveals through his life and his work that we can be involved in spiritual practices while embracing the rigor of scientific methodology and a healthy, productive lifestyle. This inspiring book reveals how fortunate the world is that Albert was the father of LSD and, in profound ways, the spiritual father of millions of responsible psychedelic users. * Rick Doblin, president and founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAP * In this collection, Albert Hofmann shares his scientific, philosophical, psychological, and religious insights in an especially candid and engaging manner. His warmth, candor, and strength of character shine in them all, and through them we gain a satisfying glimpse into a great scientists life. * Rick Strassman, M.D., author of DMT: The Spirit Molecule and coauthor of Inner Paths to Outer Space * An extraordinary quality of Albert Hofmann was his ability to integrate the spiritual and the material under the conceptual umbrella of the natural. As his last work, LSD and the Divine Scientist presents Hofmanns most mature thought, the flowering of the scientist as philosopher in a natural integration of science and philosophy. May these final essays be the key to achieving Hofmanns ultimate vision. * Neal Goldsmith, author of Psychedelic Healing *

Albert Hofmann (1906-2008), the father of LSD, was a world-renowned scientist, member of the Nobel Prize Committee, Fellow of the World Academy of Sciences, and member of the International Society of Plant Research and of the American Society of Pharmacognosy. He was a leader in pharmaceutical-chemical research and the author of several books, including LSD: My Problem Child.

Translators Note Foreword by Christian Rtsch 1 Planning and Chance in Pharmaceutical and Chemical Research 2 Can Insight into the Truths of Natural Science Be Therapeutically Effective in Psychology? 3 Meditation and Sensory Perception: The Search for Happiness and Meaning 4 The Use of Psychedelics for the Great Transition Albert Hofmann: The Boundary Walker A Tribute by Roger Liggenstorfer St. Albert and the LSD Revelation Revolution An Afterword by Alex Grey About the Author Index