Albert Hofmann: Swiss Chemist Who Discovered LSD Dies at 102

Albert Hofmann was a Swiss chemist best known for first synthesizing LSD. Born on January 11, 1906, in Baden, Switzerland, he worked at the Sandoz pharmaceutical company in Basel.

He first made LSD-25 in 1938 while searching for a circulatory stimulant. In April 1943 he accidentally absorbed a small amount and experienced its effects, and three days later he took a deliberate dose and rode his bicycle home, an event celebrated as Bicycle Day. He also isolated psilocybin from mushrooms.

Hofmann believed psychedelics could aid psychotherapy and spiritual insight. He published the memoir LSD: My Problem Child and died of a heart attack at his home in Burg im Leimental, Switzerland, on April 29, 2008, at age 102.

Achievements: First synthesized LSD, isolated psilocybin, author of LSD: My Problem Child.

Birth: January 11, 1906 - Baden, Switzerland.

Profession: Chemist.

Interesting Facts: Bicycle Day is celebrated every April 19.