69 years ago on this date, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann performed a self-experiment to determine the true effects of LSD, intentionally ingesting 0.25 milligrams (250 micrograms) of the substance, an amount he predicted to be a threshold dose (an actual threshold dose is 20 micrograms). Less than an hour later, Hofmann experienced sudden and intense changes in perception. After asking his laboratory assistant to escort him, he embarked on a strangely bizzare bicycle ride home from Sandoz laboratories. On the way, Hofmann’s condition rapidly deteriorated as he struggled with feelings of anxiety.
"... little by little I could begin to enjoy the unprecedented colors and plays of shapes that persisted behind my closed eyes. Kaleidoscopic, fantastic images surged in on me, alternating, variegated, opening and then closing themselves in circles and spirals, exploding in colored fountains, rearranging and hybridizing themselves in constant flux ..."
After the bicycle ride home proved to Hofmann that he had indeed made a significant discovery: a psychoactive substance with extraordinary potency, capable of causing significant shifts of consciousness in incredibly low doses. Hofmann foresaw the drug as a powerful psychiatric tool; because of its intense and introspective nature.
LSD-25 was first intentionally taken on April 19, 1938... but it was first ingested, unintentionally, three days earlier on April 16th. Dr. Hofmann must have had a minute amount become absorbed through his fingertips (estimated to be less than 10 micrograms) that gave him a dream-like state for a couple of hours. This is what piqued the chemist's interest to do a self-experiment.
So take a second to celebrate Bicycle Day and thank Dr. Hofmann for making such a beautiful mistake!