Historical Events tagged with "psychology"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Science & Technology

Albert Hofmann's Landmark Discovery of LSD Effects

April 16th, 1943 81 years ago

Albert Hofmann, a Swiss chemist, accidentally discovers the hallucinogenic properties of LSD while researching ergot alkaloids. He notices unusual sensations, prompting him to intentionally ingest the drug three days later on April 19. This self-experimentation reveals its psychological effects, significantly contributing to the understanding of psychedelics and their impact on human consciousness.

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Health & Medicine

Phineas Gage's Iron Rod Brain Injury

September 13th, 1848 176 years ago

Phineas Gage, a railroad construction foreman, experienced a profound change in personality after an iron rod accidentally pierced through his skull and brain. The incident occurred while he was working in Vermont, where the rod, measuring 1+1⁄4 inches in diameter, accidentally discharged due to a miscalculation during a blasting operation. Remarkably, Gage survived and displayed drastic changes in behavior, which sparked discussions around the brain's functions and the relationship between physiology and personality.

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Health & Medicine

James Braid Discovers Animal Magnetism

November 13th, 1841 183 years ago

James Braid witnessed Charles Lafontaine demonstrating animal magnetism at a lecture, where he became intrigued by the phenomena associated with it. Inspired by this demonstration, Braid began studying the subject fervently, which ultimately led him to develop the concept of hypnotism. This fascination marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to understanding the mechanisms of consciousness and its influence over the mind and body, setting him on a path that would establish him as a key figure in the study of hypnosis.

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Health & Medicine

Sudden Outbreak of St. John's Dance in Aachen

June 24th, 1374 650 years ago

A sudden outbreak of uncontrollable dancing, known as St. John's Dance, struck the streets of Aachen, Germany, causing numerous citizens to exhibit symptoms of hallucinations, jumping, and twitching. This bizarre phenomenon overwhelmed the area, resulting in many participants collapsing from extreme exhaustion. Observers were puzzled by the mass hysteria, which spread rapidly among the population, sparking curiosity and fear within the community.

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