In 1943, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann was synthesizing a new compound called lysergic acid diethylamide-25 when he got a couple of drops on his finger. The chemical, later known worldwide as LSD, absorbed into his system and soon after he experienced an intense state of altered consciousness. In other words, he tripped.
Intrigued by the experience, Hofmann dosed himself with 250 micrograms of LSD and then biked his way home through the streets of Basel on April 19, 1943, making him the first person ever to intentionally drop acid. Nowadays, psychonauts and LSD enthusiasts commemorate the event every April 19th, on what’s called “Bicycle Day.”
Italian animators Lorenzo Veracini, Nandini Nambiar and Marco Avoletta imagine what Hofmann might have seen during his historic journey in their 2008 short A Bicycle Trip.
The film shows Hofmann riding through the Swiss medieval town as he sees visions like a trail of flowers coming off a woman in red, cobble stones coming alive and scurrying away, and a whole forest becoming transparent before the marveling scientist’s eyes. The film also shows Hofmann slamming into a fence, illustrating why it’s never a good idea to drive under the influence of hallucinogens.
After his early experiments, Albert Hofmann became convinced that LSD is not only a powerful potential treatment for the mentally ill but also a valuable bridge between the spiritual and the scientific. He called the substance “medicine for the soul.”
If you’re interested in learning more about the turbulent history of the drug, check out below the 2002 documentary Hofmann’s Potion, by Canadian filmmaker Connie Littlefield, which traces Hofmann’s invention from being a promising psychological treatment to counterculture symbol to banned substance. The 56-minute doc features footage and interviews with such psychedelic luminaries as Aldous Huxley, Stanislav Grof, Richard Alpert (AKA Ram Dass) along with Hofmann himself.
Hofmann was always uncomfortable with the casual way the ‘60s counterculture used his invention. “[LSD] is not just fun,” he says in Littlefield’s movie. “It is a very serious experiment.” Hofmann’s Potion appears in our collection, 4,000+ Free Movies Online: Great Classics, Indies, Noir, Westerns, Documentaries & More.
via @stevesilberman and @sheerly
Note: This post originally appeared on our site in 2013. Since today is Bicycle Day, we’re bringing it back to the top.
Jonathan Crow is a Los Angeles-based writer whose work has appeared in Yahoo!, The Hollywood Reporter, and other publications. You can follow her at @jonccrow.
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So beautifully rendered! This animation art truly helps to capture the experience of having one’s doors of perception thrown wide open.
A deep bow to the creators!
Correction. His second experience was 2500 mics. read his book if you don’t believe me.
16th. not 19th.
It appears you either misread the dosage or there is a misprint in the book. 2500 micrograms of LSD25 is a MASSIVE dosage. Too much by a factor of 10. He actually took 250 micrograms the second time (his first intentional dosage). That amount (250 micrograms) is more than sufficient for a spectacular LSD experience. Trust me*, I know of what I speak. Good day.
*or verify it yourself.