Albert Hofmann, who first synthesized Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), has passed away. He was 102 years-old.
“I believe that if people would learn to use LSD’s vision-inducing capability more wisely, under suitable conditions, in medical practice and in conjunction with meditation, then in the future this problem child could become a wonderchild.” — Albert Hofmann (1906-2008)
Link to Wikipedia article, Link to Hoffman.org (Thanks, Wayne de Geere III!)
UPDATE: News of Hofmann’s death may have been greatly exaggerated. But boy, that’s sure a great quote and we’re happy Dr. Hofmann still seems to be riding his mental bike around Switzerland.
UPDATE: Over at The Stranger’s blog, Dominic Holden says that the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies has confirmed Hofmann’s death. Link (Thanks, NaFun!)
UPDATE: The fine folks at Erowid have also confirmed. Apparently, Hofmann died this morning of a heart attack. Link
UPDATE: And an obituary from The Telegraph. Link