Origins & Early Life

Alexander Theodore "Sasha" Shulgin (June 17, 1925 – June 2, 2014) was an American biochemist who synthesized and tested over 200 psychedelic and related chemical compounds. Among the most notable psychedelic and related drugs that Shulgin developed include 2C-B, DOM (STP), and Ariadne (4C-D; BL-3912; Dimoxamine). In addition, he is known for discovering and describing the unique effects of the entactogen MDMA (ecstasy), which led to its use in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and to its widespread use as a recreational drug, for instance in the rave scene. Shulgin studied chemistry at Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley and received his Ph.D.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

in biochemistry in 1955. He developed the best-selling biodegradable pesticide mexacarbate (Zectran) while working at Dow Chemical Company in the early 1960s. Shulgin became interested in psychedelic chemistry after having his first psychedelic experience in 1960 and from then on began developing new psychedelic compounds in his lab at his home in Lafayette, California. His approach was to synthesize the compounds, test them on himself and a small group of trusted others, and document his findings. He formally published on...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Alfred F. Young — Contemporary (Born in 1925) (1925): Pioneering American historian of the Revolution and working-class social history.
• 2014 League of Legends World Championship — Contemporary (Born in 2014) (2014): The 4th League of Legends World Championship, held in Asia in 2014.
• Alain Resnais — Contemporary (Died in 2014) (2014): Pioneering French filmmaker exploring memory, consciousness, and narrative structure.
• Alexander Grothendieck — Contemporary (Died in 2014) (2014): Pioneering figure in modern algebraic geometry and category theory.
• Alan Brooke, 1st Viscount Alanbrooke — Shared historical date (06-17 · Died) (1963): British Field Marshal and Chief of the Imperial General Staff during WWII.
• Alfred Brendel — Shared historical date (06-17 · Died) (2025): Czech-born Austrian pianist, composer, and scholar renowned for Beethoven.
• Abby Wambach — Shared historical date (06-02 · Born) (1980): Iconic American soccer forward, celebrated for her goal-scoring prowess and longevity.
• Bo Diddley — Shared historical date (06-02 · Died) (2008): Pioneering blues guitarist whose signature rhythm influenced rock, pop, and hip-hop.
• 1925 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1925
• June 17 (06-17) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 17
• 2014 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2014
• June 2 (06-02) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 2