Origins & Early Life

Albert Hofmann (11 January 1906 – 29 April 2008) was a Swiss chemist known for being the first to synthesize, ingest, and learn of the psychedelic effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Hofmann's team also isolated, named and synthesized the principal psychedelic mushroom compounds psilocybin and psilocin. Hofmann discovered the structure of chitin in 1929. He authored more than 100 scientific articles and numerous books, including LSD: Mein Sorgenkind (LSD: My Problem Child).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Albert Hofmann was born in Baden, Switzerland, on 11 January 1906. He was the first of four children to factory toolmaker Adolf Hofmann and Elisabeth (née Schenk) and was baptized Protestant. When his father became ill, Hofmann obtained a position as a commercial apprentice in concurrence with his studies. Owing to his father's low income, Albert's godfather paid for his education. At age 20, Hofmann began his study of chemistry with Paul Karrer at the University of Zurich.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Hofmann's main interest was the chemistry of plants and animals. He earned his doctorate with distinction in just four years for research on the chemical structure of the animal substance chitin in 1929...

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