Albert Hofmann profile Photo

Albert Hofmann

Chemist

Birthday January 11, 1906

Birth Sign Capricorn

Birthplace Baden, Aargau, Switzerland

Age 102 Years

Date of death 29 April, 2008

Died Place Burg im Leimental, Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland

#20,161 Most Popular

Who Is Albert Hofmann? Age, Biography, and Wiki

Albert Hofmann was born on January 11, 1906, in Baden, Switzerland. He passed away on April 29, 2008, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential chemists of the 20th century. Best known for his discovery of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in 1938, Hofmann's work profoundly impacted psychology and the exploration of consciousness. His pioneering research opened doors to various therapeutic uses of psychedelics and embedded him in both scientific and cultural discussions.

Occupation Chemist
Date of Birth January 11, 1906
Age 102 Years
Birth Place Baden, Aargau, Switzerland
Horoscope Capricorn
Country Switzerland
Date of death 29 April, 2008
Died Place Burg im Leimental, Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland

Popularity

Albert Hofmann's Popularity over time

Height, Weight & Measurements

While precise measurements for Hofmann in 2025 aren't available due to his passing, during his lifetime, he had an impressive stature as a prominent figure in the scientific community.

Family, Dating & Relationship Status

Albert Hofmann was married to his beloved wife, Anita Hofmann, whom he tied the knot with in 1929. They shared a fulfilling partnership until Anita's passing in 1991. Hofmann remained a dedicated family man, and they had three children together. He prioritized his family life alongside his groundbreaking research, which helped to ground him amidst his fame and success.

He was the first of four children to factory toolmaker Adolf Hofmann and Elisabeth ( Schenk) and was baptized Protestant. When his father became ill, Hofmann obtained a position as a commercial apprentice in concurrence with his studies. Owing to his father's low income, Albert's godfather paid for his education.

At age 20, Hofmann began his study of chemistry with Paul Karrer at the University of Zürich. Hofmann's main interest was the chemistry of plants and animals. He earned his doctorate with distinction in just four years for research on the chemical structure of the animal substance chitin in 1929.

Net Worth and Salary

As an iconic chemist, Hofmann's net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $3 million. His royalties from methylated compounds and ongoing interest in psychedelic research have contributed to this figure. Although Hofmann's salary is less discussed, his contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, were groundbreaking and lucrative.

Career, Business, and Investments

Hofmann's illustrious career began at the Sandoz Laboratories in Basel, Switzerland, where he conducted research that would lead to the discovery of LSD and later psilocybin, another renowned psychedelic compound. Beyond LSD, Hofmann was involved in research related to serotonin and the structure of various other alkaloids.

His work not only brought him acclaim in the scientific community but also prompted discussions about the therapeutic use of psychedelics, fostering a movement that continues to gain momentum in contemporary psychology and psychiatry. Hofmann remained active in various businesses and contributed to educational ventures surrounding his discoveries.

Of his decision to pursue a career as a chemist, Hofmann provided insight during a speech he delivered to the 1996 Worlds of Consciousness Conference in Heidelberg, Germany:

Social Network

Hofmann was not particularly active on social media platforms, given that such networks did not exist during his lifetime. However, his work and life continue to inspire a vibrant online presence, with numerous fan pages and educational resources dedicated to his contributions. Documentaries, books, and digital platforms often reference his impact, ensuring that his philosophy and work remain influential in discussions about consciousness and psychedelics.

"... affected by a remarkable restlessness, combined with a slight dizziness. At home I lay down and sank into a not unpleasant intoxicated[-]like condition, characterized by an extremely stimulated imagination.

In a dreamlike state, with eyes closed (I found the daylight to be unpleasantly glaring), I perceived an uninterrupted stream of fantastic pictures, extraordinary shapes with intense, kaleidoscopic play of colors. After some two hours this condition faded away."

Education

Albert Hofmann attended the University of Zurich, where he studied chemistry and earned a doctorate degree in 1929. His solid educational foundation and intellectual curiosity propelled him into a remarkable career that changed the landscape of chemistry and psychology. Hofmann maximized his academic experiences, leading to innovations that sparked a broader cultural awakening regarding the mind-altering effects of substances.


In December 2007, Swiss medical authorities allowed psychotherapist Peter Gasser to perform psychotherapeutic experiments on patients with terminal-stage cancer and other terminal diseases.

Completed in 2011, these represent the first study of the therapeutic effects of LSD on humans in 35 years; other studies had examined the drug's effects on consciousness and body. Hofmann acclaimed the study and reiterated his belief in LSD's therapeutic benefits.

In 2008, he wrote to Steve Jobs, asking him to support this research; it is not known whether Jobs responded. The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has supported psychoanalytic research using LSD, carrying on Hofmann's legacy and setting the groundwork for future studies.

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