HOFMANN ALBERT: (1906-2008) Swiss Chemist known for being the first to synthesize and learn of ...

HOFMANN ALBERT: (1906-2008) Swiss Chemist known for being the first to synthesize and learn of the psychedelic effects of LSD (LSD). Hofmann authored more than 100 scientific articles and numerous books, including LSD: Mein Sorgenkind ("LSD: My Problem Child"). In 2007, he shared first place on a list of the 100 greatest living geniuses published by The Daily Telegraph newspaper. A very fine signed 4 x 6 printed bifolium, n.p., n.d., showing to the front page a small colour image of Hofmann in his late years receiving a present from a child. Signed in bold blue ink to the inside left page `With best wishes! Albert Hofmann´. To the inside right page bearing the printed text `Dass ich zu meinem grossen Geburtstag so viele Gratulationen, Geschenke und auch Anerkennung fur mein Lebenswerk entgegen nehman durfte, hat mich ausserordentlich gefreut und geehrt....Ich danke allen, die mir mit ihrer Anteilnahme so viel Freude bereitet haben, vonganzem Herzen.´ (Translation: "I was extremely happy and honored to receive so many congratulations, gifts and recognition for my life's work on my big birthday...I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart who gave me so much joy with their sympathy.") EX

Hofmann called LSD "medicine for the soul" and was frustrated by its worldwide prohibition. "It was used very successfully for ten years in psychoanalysis, " he said, adding that the drug was misused by the counterculture of the 1960´s, criticized unfairly by the political establishment of the day. Hofmann continued to take small doses of LSD throughout his life, and always hoped to find a use for it.