An informative film about LSD, this 1960s educational tells the story of the discovery of the drug and its affects. The film begins in 1951 after a naturally induced mass hysteria episode in France, and then traces the work of Dr. Albert Hofmann who suffered similar symptoms after exposing himself to synthesized LSD in the 1930s. The film shows the effects of LSD on rats in a laboratory, including catatonia. The film features Dr. Jean Houston and Dr. Robert Masters, who used LSD to probe “psychic depths” and founded the The Foundation for Mind Research. The film features incredible footage of a “trip tent” at a music festival, where hippies on drugs are suffering the hallucinogenic effects of LSD or mescaline. At the end of the film Houston explains that the drug is a pandora’s box that could be a force for good “like atomic energy” or it could “provide for a whole holocaust of mental Hiroshimas.”
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), also known as acid, is a psychedelic drug known for its psychological effects. This may include altered awareness of the surroundings, perceptions, and feelings as well as sensations and images that seem real though they are not. It is used mainly as a recreational drug and for spiritual reasons. LSD is typically either swallowed or held under the tongue. It is often sold on blotter paper, a sugar cube, or gelatin. It can also be injected.
LSD is not addictive. However, adverse psychiatric reactions such as anxiety, paranoia, and delusions are possible. LSD is in the ergoline family. LSD is sensitive to oxygen, ultraviolet light, and chlorine. though it may last for years if it is stored away from light and moisture at low temperature. In pure form it is odorless and clear or white in color. As little as 20–30 micrograms can produce an effect.
LSD was first made by Albert Hofmann in Switzerland in 1938 from ergotamine, a chemical from the fungus ergot. The laboratory name for the compound was the acronym for the German “Lyserg-säure-diäthylamid”, followed by a sequential number: LSD-25. Hofmann discovered its psychedelic properties in 1943. LSD was introduced as a commercial medication under the trade-name Delysid for various psychiatric uses in 1947. In the 1950s, officials at the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) thought the drug might be useful for mind control and chemical warfare and tested the drug on young servicemen and students, and others without their knowledge. The subsequent recreational use by youth culture in the Western world as part of 1960s counterculture resulted in its prohibition.
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
