Psychoactive Substances. Betsy Gordon Psychoactive Substances Research Collection
Collecting Area
Identifier: Psychoactive Substances
This collecting area documents the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, and is particularly relevant given the re-emergence of psychedelic research that is happening today. The materials in this area document how psychedelic research in the United States was carried out and facilitated (particularly from the 1950s to the 1970s), how doctors administered these substances, how patients responded to these treatments, how policy and culture affected the research, and how this area of study has been slowly emerging as a valid form of inquiry and a several-decades long period of dormancy.
Highlights include the papers of Charles Savage, William Richards, and Stanislav Grof, psychiatrists who were involved in major psychedelics research studies at the Spring Grove State Hospital in the 1960s; the papers of David Nichols, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Medicinal Chemistry who taught at Purdue from 1974 until 2012 and is internationally recognized for his work on psychedelics and MDMA as well as for playing a key role in the psychedelic renaissance; and other smaller collections which document various aspects of psychedelic research spanning a variety of disciplines. The collecting area is complemented by a large collection of rare and unique books.
Found in 48 Collections and/or Records:
Howard Lotsof correspondence and other materials
Collection — Box 1
Identifier: MSP 91
Abstract
This collection contains correspondence between Howard Lotsof and David Soloman. It documents Lotsof's work
with ibogaine as well as other psychotropic drugs. The collection also contains and article on ibogaine that was suggested to Lotsof by Ralph Metzner along with an ibogaine bibliography from CIBA Pharmaceutical Company and a clipping concerning Lotsof's research.
Dates:
1957-2010; Majority of material found within 1964
Marlene Dobkin de Rios papers
Collection — Box 1
Identifier: MSP 72
Abstract
The Marlene Dobkin de Rios papers documents De Rios' anthropological research on hallucinogens and contains correspondence, biographical clippings, papers, conference materials, and article reprint request cards.
Dates:
1967 - 2008
Marlene Dobkin de Rios papers, addition 01
Unprocessed
Identifier: 20200811
Maryland Psychiatric Research Center LSD Professional Training Program Study files
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSP 170
Abstract
This collection contains clinical evaluations and personal narratives documenting LSD sessions administered during The Maryland Psychiatric Research Center's professional training program.
Dates:
1970 - 1974
Terence McKenna recordings
Collection
Identifier: MSP 185
Abstract
A collection of seven audio cassettes distributed by Dolphin Tapes (Big Sur, California) containing Terence McKenna lectures and radio interviews recorded from 1981 to 1983.
Dates:
Other: Date acquired: 12/02/2009
Ralph Metzner collection
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSP 56
Abstract
This collection contains articles and publications collected by Ralph Metzner that explore different aspects of the progression of psychoactive substance research, including scientific research, politics, and religion.
Dates:
1958 - 2008; Majority of material found within 1960 - 1990
David E. Nichols papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSF 468
Abstract
The David E. Nichols papers contain biographical documents, correspondence, laboratory notes, scholarly manuscripts, grant applications, and other materials pertaining to the career of Purdue Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology Professor David E. Nichols.
Dates:
1920-2012; Other: Majority of material found in 1990s
William Richards collection on Walter Pahnke
Collection — Box 1
Identifier: MSP 68
Scope and Contents
The William Richards Collection on Walter Pahnke (1952-1972; 0.2 cubic feet) contains materials collected and donated by William Richards that document the life and work of his close colleague, Walter Pahnke. It includes some of Pahnke's important academic writings, copies of personal manuscripts, some biographical information, writings by his wife (Eva Sontum Pahnke), and materials memorializing his untimely passing.
Dates:
1950 - 2009; Majority of material found within 1964 - 1971
Psychedelic Summit "50th Anniversary Celebration of LSD" video recording
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSP 203
Scope and Contents
The Psychedelic Summit VHS tape captures the fiftieth anniversary celebation of Albert Hofmann's discovery of LSD. The Summit took place in Santa Cruz, California from April 16th to April 18th, 1993, and featured nearly fifty talks from distinguided individuals on the therapeutic value of LSD. Footage inludes a dinner in Santa Cruz, a Psychedelics and Cannabis exposition at the Unitarian Church in San Francisco, and a rave in Golden Gate Park. Speakers include Bruce Eisner, Island Group; Dr....
Dates:
1993; Other: Date acquired: 09/03/2017
Psychoactive Substances Research Collection clippings
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSP 61
Scope and Contents
The Psychoactive Substances Research Collection clipping files contain ) clippings and print-outs of online postings of relevance to psychoactive substances, psychoactive substances research, and those involved in this field of study.
Dates:
circa 1976 - 2017
Psychoactive Substances Research Collection scholarly articles
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSP 60
Scope and Contents
This collection contains photocopies and reprints of published scholarly articles by those involved in psychoactive substances research.
Dates:
1956-2010
William Richards papers
Collection — Box 1
Identifier: MSP 67
Abstract
The William Richards papers is a collection of articles and article reprints by William Richards. The articles discuss the use of LSD, DPT, psilocybin, and other entheogens for treating cancer patients and alcoholism, as well as for the study of religious and spiritual experiences. There is also a CD of a Sixty Minutes interview concerning LSD with Richards and a summary of the interview written by Richards.
Dates:
1962 - 2009
Rick Strassman papers
Collection — Box Box 1
Identifier: MSP 93
Abstract
The Rick Strassman papers (1989-1991; 1 folder) contains correspondence, a DMT Rating Scale questionnaire, and an article reprint.
Dates:
1989-1991; Other: Date acquired: 01/06/2011
Thomas B. Roberts papers
Collection — Box 1
Identifier: MSP 71
Scope and Contents
The Thomas B. Roberts papers documents his research in psychoactive substances through articles, clippings, correspondence, conference materials, and a course syllabus.
Dates:
1967-2006
Charles Savage papers
Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSP 70
Abstract
The Charles Savage papers documents his professional and personal life focusing on his research concerning the therapeutic use of LSD and marijuana, his stay and research in West Africa, and his involvement with Spring Grove State Hospital, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, and Friends of Psychiatric Research. The collection contains personal manuscripts, articles, grant applications, patient notes, and correspondence.
Dates:
1936 - 2003; Majority of material found within 1960 - 1970
David Solomon papers
Collection — Box 1
Identifier: MSP 92
Abstract
The David Solomon papers contain professional correspondence as well as information pertaining to psychological studies with psychotropic drugs. Solomon's correspondence with Robert Burdett and correspondence pertaining to "Flight to Reality" represents a large portion of the collection.
Dates:
April 23, 1963 - August 31, 1965
Stanislav Grof papers, addition 28
Unprocessed — Box Communal Accession 41
Identifier: 20181101
Dates:
1965 - 2018; Majority of material found within 2015 - 2017
Varro E. Tyler papers
Collection — Box Communal Collections 39, Placement: 12
Identifier: MSF 395
Scope and Contents
The collection consists of one folder which contains the title pages from some of Varro Tyler's published articles and theses. There is also a list of published works.
Dates:
1951 - 1982
Sanford Unger papers
Collection — Box 1
Identifier: MSP 69
Abstract
The Sanford Unger papers contains several articles concerning the effects of psychedelic drugs on alcoholics and individuals suffering from neurotic disorders, as well as the implication of those drugs on religious visions and mysticism. The collection also contains the correspondence between Aldous and Laura Huxley and Sanford Unger, as well as a DVD of "LSD: The Spring Grove Experiment."
Dates:
1961 - 1974
William Leonard Pickard papers
Unprocessed — Multiple Containers
Identifier: 20200501
Dates:
2015 - 2020
William Richards collection on Helen Bonny
Collection — Box Box 1
Identifier: MSP 77
Scope and Contents
The William Richards collection of Helen Bonny materials (1976-2010; 0.25 cubic feet) continas a photocopy of Bonny's PhD thesis, a photograph (1998), and a photocopy of her obituary.
Dates:
1976-2010; Other: Date acquired: 03/06/2011
Leo Zeff papers
Collection — Box 1
Identifier: MSP 74
Abstract
The Leo Zeff papers contains photographs, reports, and correspondence that document Zeff's research on ibogaine.
Dates:
1985 - 1988