This day—April 19—is the 78th anniversary of the first-ever acid trip. It is affectionately referred to by psychonauts around the globe as Bicycle Day. The psychedelic compound LSD is known primarily for its hallucinogenic effects, and while an increasing number of researchers are studying the science of how this and other psychedelic compounds could potentially be used to treat mental health issues, it was first synthesized for an entirely different reason.

‘Exploding In Colored Fountains’

Albert Hofmann, a Sandoz chemist, first synthesized LSD in 1938 while trying to formulate a treatment for respiratory and circulatory conditions using compounds in the ergot fungus. When he returned to his creation five years later to make another batch, he accidentally absorbed some of the compound through his skin.

READ MORE