LSD

D-Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (or sometimes Lysergide, commonly called "Acid"). Powerful hallucinogenic drug, chemical formula C₂₀H₂₅N₃₀, first synthesised by swiss chemist Albert Hoffman in 1938.

As a recreational drug it gained popularity in 1960s when gurus such as Timothy Leary advocated its use as a method of raising conciousness. It is not without danger, however, and use, especially if repeated or in large doses, can induce psychotic states such as egolessness and catatonia.

Manufacture, use and possession of LSD is illegal in many countries of the world, including the United States and most (all?) of Europe.

At the moment the catatonia link points to an excellent article about the (equally excellent) Welsh rock band. Not quite whats intended, but strangely apposite... -- Gareth Owen