Alexander Shulgin's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Alexander Shulgin was an American chemist and biochemist known for his groundbreaking work in the field of psychopharmacology. Born in Berkeley, California in 1925, Shulgin developed a passion for chemistry at a young age. He went on to receive his PhD in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 1954. Following his graduation, Shulgin began his career as a research chemist for Dow Chemical Company, where he would spend 17 years conducting research on a variety of chemicals and compounds.

In 1966, Shulgin left Dow Chemical to pursue his own research and consulting work. It was during this period that he began to explore the psychoactive properties of various compounds, particularly phenethylamines and tryptamines. His work in this area would eventually lead to the development of hundreds of new psychoactive substances, many of which had never been synthesized before.

Shulgin's most famous contribution to the field of psychopharmacology came in the form of his creation of a series of ring-substituted phenethylamines, which he described in his book "PiHKAL: A Chemical Love Story" (1990). This book, co-authored with his wife Ann Shulgin, detailed the synthesis and pharmacology of 179 different psychoactive compounds, as well as the experiences and effects of these substances on human subjects. The book quickly became a seminal text in the field of psychopharmacology and is still widely revered among researchers and enthusiasts.

In addition to his work with phenethylamines, Shulgin also made significant contributions to the study of tryptamines, creating numerous novel substances with psychoactive properties. His research into these compounds led to the creation of another influential book, "TiHKAL: The Continuation" (1997), co-authored with Ann Shulgin. Like "PiHKAL," this book detailed the synthesis and effects of a wide range of tryptamine compounds.

Throughout his career, Shulgin was a vocal advocate for the responsible use of psychoactive substances and pushed for greater research into the therapeutic potential of these compounds. He believed that many of the substances he had created could be valuable tools for psychiatrists and therapists, and he was a strong proponent of the idea that these compounds could be used to treat a variety of psychiatric conditions.

Shulgin's work also had a significant impact on the world of recreational drug use, particularly in the underground subculture. Many of the compounds he synthesized and detailed in his books became popular among users seeking new and unusual experiences, leading to a resurgence of interest in psychoactive substances. While Shulgin himself distanced himself from the recreational use of these compounds, he recognized their potential for both positive and negative effects on users.

In 1994, Shulgin's work came under scrutiny from the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which raided his laboratory and confiscated his research materials. Despite this setback, Shulgin continued to work and advocate for research into psychoactive substances until his death in 2014. He left behind a legacy of groundbreaking research and advocacy for the responsible use of psychoactive compounds.

Today, Alexander Shulgin is remembered as a pioneering figure in the field of psychopharmacology, a man whose work has had a lasting impact on the study of psychoactive substances. His contributions to the field have helped to expand our understanding of the chemical basis of consciousness and the potential therapeutic applications of psychoactive compounds. Though controversial and at times misunderstood, Shulgin's work continues to be studied and celebrated by researchers, enthusiasts, and advocates for the responsible use of psychoactive substances.