Albert Hofmann was conducting experiments with ergot alkaloids at the Sandoz Laboratories in Basel, Switzerland, when he first synthesized lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in 1938. Initially seeking a treatment for migraines, Hofmann had set the compound aside for several years due to a lack of significant effects. However, on April 16, 1943, Hofmann accidentally absorbed a small quantity of LSD through his fingertips while handling the substance, leading to an involuntary exploration of its psychoactive properties. He experienced a series of unusual sensations, including perceptual alterations and an altered state of consciousness.

After this unexpected experience, Hofmann was intrigued and wanted to better understand the effects of the substance. Thus, on April 19, just three days later, he deliberately ingested a dose of LSD to evaluate its effects more thoroughly. This act of deliberate experimentation marked a pivotal moment in the study of psychedelics. Hofmann's vivid voyage was characterized by intense visual hallucinations and a sense of profound interconnectedness with the world around him, laying the groundwork for future research into psychoactive compounds.

Hofmann’s findings captured the attention of both the scientific community and the public, stimulating discussions about mind-altering substances, their potential therapeutic benefits, and their implications for psychological studies. His revelations about LSD would later lead to both recreational use and serious medical inquiries into mental health treatment, affecting the fields of psychology and psychiatry for decades to come.