Who is Hofmann Albert?

Swiss chemist dubbed “the father of LSD” who later wrote a book called, “LSD, My Problem Child.” Hofmann discovered LSD by accident on April 16, 1943 while he was an employee of a pharmaceutical company in Basel, Switzerland. He had been working in the lab when he inadvertently got some on his fingers that afternoon (his journal entry says "the middle of the afternoon"). Three days later, he conducted an deliberate official test. Hofmann was the oldest of four children. Always enthralled by the natural world, he was fascinated by plants and how they interact with the human body. In 1927, after graduation from the University of Zurich, he joined Sandoz Pharmaceuticals where he was assigned to investigating plants’ medicinal properties. He began to study ergot, a rye fungus. By 1938 ergot was synthesized and some of its compounds proved useful in treating medical conditions. He noted his reactions when he isolated a compound called LSD-25 and accidentally exposed himself to it. The aftereffects were reminiscent of a mystical feeling that came over him as a child when he was wandering through a field: a spiritual oneness with nature. He called LSD “medicine for the soul” and for its first several years, it proved useful in treating psychiatric disorders. In 1984,he told psychiatrist Stanislav Grof that his experience with the drug made him "aware of the wonder of creation, the magnificence of nature and of the animal and plant kingdom." Hofmann disapproved of LSD’s widespread recreational use in the 1960s and was disappointed that such drug abuse effectively put an end to scientific experiments that could have benefited humanity. Throughout his life he maintained that LSD ought to be treated with the same care and control as morphine. In his career with Sandoz, he worked on other hallucinogenic plants and researched their sacred uses by native civilizations. He retired in 1971 as the company’s director of research for the department of natural products. After his retirement he served on the Nobel Prize Committee, was a Fellow of the World Academy of Sciences and held membership in scientific organizations researching medicinal qualities of plants. The Albert Hoffmann Foundation was established in 1988 to continue and expand his work in human consciousness. Hofmann and his wife, Anita had four children. One son predeceased them in a battle with alcoholism. Anita died in December 2007. Hofmann suffered a fatal heart attack on April 29, 2008 around 9 AM in Basel, Switzerland, age 102. Link to Wikipedia biography Link to Astrodienst discussion forum

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Update at: Mar 7, 2026

Albert Hofmann (1906–2008) — Public Profile

Born on January 11, 1906, in Baden, Switzerland, Albert Hofmann was a Swiss chemist best known for his work at Sandoz (now part of Novartis) and for discovering the psychedelic properties of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). His research helped launch a long and influential history of psychedelic science, culture, and debate.

Biographical snapshot

Birth: 11 January 1906, Baden, Switzerland
Nationality: Swiss
Occupation: Chemist at Sandoz
Key achievement: Synthesis of LSD-25 (1938) and subsequent recognition of its psychoactive effects
Major legacy event: Bicycle Day, 19 April 1943, when Hofmann deliberately ingested LSD and documented its effects
Death: 29 April 2008

Discovery and scientific impact

Hofmann synthesized LSD-25 in 1938 while researching ergot alkaloids. The compound did not reveal its psychedelic properties until 1943, when he self-administered a small amount and experienced profound effects. This led to decades of research into LSD’s pharmacology, therapeutic potential, and cultural significance. Hofmann’s accounts and essays helped shape public and scholarly understanding of psychedelics.

Notable works and publications

LSD and its history: Hofmann discussed the compound’s discovery, effects, and role in science and culture
LSD: My Problem Child — a widely cited book in which Hofmann reflects on the substance and its scientific and cultural trajectory

Public profile, media, and social presence

As a historical figure who passed away in 2008, there are no official social media accounts or live public profiles authored by Hofmann. Public information about him exists in encyclopedias, academic journals, textbooks, and museum or archival pages. Various organizations and educational resources discuss his work, the LSD story, and the broader history of psychedelics. For current public engagement, look to museums, universities, and psychedelic research institutes that reference his contributions.

Recent projects and legacy

In the decades following Hofmann’s death, scholarly and cultural projects have continued to explore LSD’s discovery, pharmacology, and impact. Retrospectives on Bicycle Day (April 19) and historical analyses of synthetic psychedelics contribute to ongoing discussions in pharmacology, history of science, and ethical debates about psychedelic research. Modern psychedelic science communities, including university programs and research institutes, frequently reference Hofmann’s role as a foundational figure in the field.

Key takeaways

Albert Hofmann is the Swiss chemist associated with LSD-25’s discovery in 1938 and the first intentional LSD experience in 1943
His work and writings influenced decades of research, policy discussion, and culture surrounding psychedelics
There are no official living social media profiles; public information exists through historical and educational channels

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Which Raj Yogas are in Hofmann Albert's birth chart?

2 FOUND

Hofmann Albert's chart shows 1 Raj Yoga and 1 challenging combination, including Rajju Yoga.

Planetary Combinations

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What do Hofmann Albert's numerology numbers say?

Hofmann Albert's core numbers are Life Path 1, Destiny 7, Soul Urge 5, Personality 11, Kabbalah Number 3, Birth 11.

∞Life Path

Chaldean Life Path 1 is the path of the Sun—independence, initiative, and leadership. It indicates self-made growth and lessons in confident direction.

◎Destiny

Chaldean Destiny 7 indicates specialization, research, and spiritual intelligence. It supports analytics, strategy, deep study, and mastery through solitude.

❖Soul Urge

Chaldean Soul 5 desires freedom and variety. It seeks change, movement, experiences, and space to explore life.

◇Personality

Chaldean Personality 11 appears intuitive and inspiring. Others often sense sensitivity, vision, and spiritual presence.

∞Kabbalah Number

Kabbalah Number 3 reflects an inner spiritual code of expression and creativity. It supports communication, inspiration, and joyful manifestation.

✦Birth

Discover Birth Number 11 in Vedic astrology: traits, gifts, challenges, and karmic insights shaping your destiny and life path; explore career, relationships, and growth.

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