Mystic Chemist: The Life of Albert Hofmann and His Discovery of LSD

by Dieter Hagenback, Lucius Werthmuller

Mystic Chemist tells the story of Albert Hofmann’s life and the parallel story of LSD.  Authors Dieter A. Hagenbach and Lucius Werthmüller, close friends of Albert Hofmann, take readers on a journey through Hofmann’s mystical childhood experiences with nature to his chemistry studies with Nobel Prize winner Paul Karrer in Zurich through his discoveries of both LSD and psilocybin at Sandoz; to his adventurous expeditions; to his many years of retirement devoted to philosophy of nature. Hagenbach and Werthmüller document Hofmann’s rich social life including interactions with illustrious writers, artists and thinkers including luminaries like Aldous Huxley, Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert (Ram Dass).  Throughout Mystic Chemist, the authors reveal the eventful history of LSD, and they chronicle Hofmann’s groundbreaking work with the drug that was later featured in the 2022 Netflix documentary series, “How to Change Your Mind.” From the start of his experimentations, Hofmann took a positive view towards LSD-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of illness, and he maintained that mystical experiences and trips to other worlds of consciousness are the best preparation for the very last journey we all must eventually make.  Mystic The Life of Albert Hofmann and His Discovery of LSD contains more than 500 photos, illustrations and drawings as well as a foreword by renowned Czech psychiatrist Stanislav Grof.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Biography

408 pages, Paperback

First published May 29, 2013

Reviews

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hofmann, who lived to 102, was an extremely interesting man. The extent of the influence of his discoveries, throughout the Western world, is underestimated. But I nearly gave the book just three stars, due to occasional uneven text passages. Main bio reads well. Some pastiche portions (parts of a festschriftt facet) are out-of-step, jarring with the overall style (I tend to believe most of this English edition consists of translations from European languages) — and, too, the editor could have trimmed-out redundancy.

From childhood, Albert Hofmann displayed intelligence, curiosity, healthy-mindedness, a love of nature, and a fair degree of athleticism. His levelheadedness harmonized with his years of conventional German-Swiss upbringing among the normally staid, self-restraining citizens of Baden, an industrious and orderly town. When he applied for a position as a research chemist, besides his excellent education Sandoz Ltd. valued his reputed rigor and diligent work ethic. Equally important in another respect, throughout his life people who met him were impressed with his good cheer and vigor. He was employed by the company for some 40 years, receiving promotions and increased responsibility.

Hofmann (1906-2008) comes across as a fine example of a humanitarian scientist of the 20th century.

A cautious, conscientious man, Hofmann commented on the behaviour and influence of the American "prophet of LSD," Timothy Leary, characterizing Leary as, "a man who tended to underrate or completely overlook practical difficulties, unpleasant facts, and dangers." Looking back from our time, whether one believes the molecule LSD25 Hofmann first synthesized in 1938 has more enriched or damaged our world, it seems clear his prudent but extensive personal experience with it did Hoffman no harm—and (he believed) greatly enhanced his life.

[JJ W · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than a hagiography, this detailed distillation of the life and times of Hofmann and his famous chemical is among the best histories of 20th century psychedelics. It also provides understandable and unadorned summaries of the philosophical, cultural, artistic and scientific implications of LSD and Hofmann’s work through a unique Swiss perspective. Beautifully designed. Thoroughly enjoyable. Another gem from Synergetic Press.

[Pat Rolston · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is lots of history covering the associations of Albert Hoffman from around the globe. I enjoyed the well documented cultural impact of Hoffman's seminal discovery, LSD and the extent to which it is analyzed. The profound impact of LSD on the world is spelled out in a compelling manner as are the people who are impacted. I did not understand the profound effect Hoffman had on the world and the degree to which he is revered. The unfortunate politicization of LSD has not allowed the very positive aspects of the drug to be used for he good of society. The data regarding aid to addicts in battling their addition as well as positive impact to violent prisoners is unassailable. The correlation to individuals and self discovery is also a reality. I highly recommend the book as insightful history and entertainment as it is well written while being very informative.