LSDemon25 said:
Wow I love this site. So much info dropped so soon, awesome thank you for the book list. I obtained Jared Ledgard -A Laboratory History of Narcotics, Vol. 1 Amphetamines and Derivatives and have been thoroughly enjoying it. Working on getting TIHKAL now. 8D
If I had to choose a favorite between PIHKAL or TIHKAL, I would go with TIHKAL, but it's a tough call, they are both such amazing publications. I have literally had PIHKAL/TIHKAL at my side for around the last 5 years, and not just because my research is focused on phenethylamine, lysergamide, and tryptamine chemistry, but because I actually enjoy the books that much.
Albert Hoffman, Alexander shulgin, Darrell lemaire, Nick sand, Tim scully, Casey Hardison, owsley Stanley, David E. Nichols, and so on, are probably the most influential individuals in my life, and not just because of the chemistry connected to them but because of their outlook and philosophy behind it. I never mention "Ron hadley stark" or "William Leonard pickard", don't get me wrong, they were decent chemists, but their philosophy and outlook towards what they were doing was not in line with the chemists mentioned above, who are not only great chemists, but who are genuine individuals with a true mission inspired by these molecules.
What happened with all the blank posts?
Any way,
"A laboratory history of narcotics: amphetamines and derivatives" is an amazing book. Ledgard outlines step by step synthesis of several stimulant, entactogenic, and psychedelic phenethylamines and alpha-methyl-phenethylamines. I think it's great how he starts his technical work-ups from as close to "scratch" as possible, he outlines several different routes of synthesis for each compound, and one of my favorite features of the book is all the chemistry background he gives you in the first half. He gives you detailed descriptions of common lab procedures, and outlines every laboratory procedure you would need to know to preform synthesis of the compounds outlined. He provides detailed illustrations of laboratory equipment, and illustrations regarding various methods of arrangements of said lab equipment for various procedures. He outlines and describes various chemicals used in the laboratory and which are common in organic synthesis, and much more. If you are new to organic synthesis, this book coupled with a standard org. Chem college text book could do wonders. It's also enough to hold the attention of experienced chemists, I have about 3 years organic chemistry, so the basics are cemented into my memory, which can make reading introductory style works on organic chemistry quite boring, yet this book holds my attention the whole time, even the stuff that's review is enjoyable...I was expecting a "fester" style "cook-book" when I purchased this publication, but was pleasantly surprised to find an actual chemical work, complete with a high standard regarding quality of information.
I highly recommend the Dave E. Nichols lectures below, specially if you are just beginning to learn about psychedelic chemistry.
Dave E. Nichols - psychedelic science lecture
Dave E. Nicole - lecture
At 45:15 minutes into
THIS Dave E. Nicole lecture Dave begins to go into a "structure activity relationship" activity where he will show a molecule, and then ask, based on its structure, if you have a stimulant, an entactogen, or a psychedelic. I feel This is a great exercise for those learning psychedelic chemistry. Actually, both the Nichols lectures above are highly recommended, I mean it's pretty basic stuff, and for myself it was almost all review, but it's still enjoyable, and often I Will pick up new things that I may have missed the first time.
-eg
