How the word "psychedelic" was born - History

In the vast linguistic landscape, some words emerge with a fascinating story. The term "psychedelic" a neurotropic This is a perfect example. Let us dive together in the captivating history of its creation, the fruit of an intellectual collaboration between two brilliant minds: the psychiatrist Humphry Osmond and the writer Aldous Huxley.

The origins of the term "psychedelic"

In the mid -1950s, while research on substances altering consciousness was in full swing, an urgent need was felt: that of finding an adequate term to describe the effects of these substances on the human mind. The existing words seemed insufficient to capture the essence of these unique experiences [1].

The epistolary exchange between Osmond and Huxley

It is in this context that an exciting correspondence was born between Humphry Osmond And Aldous Huxley. These two men, animated by an insatiable intellectual curiosity, embarked on a literary game aimed at creating the perfect word [3].

Huxley, in one of his letters, proposed the term "phanerrothyme", composed from the Greek words meaning "to make visible" and "spirit". He accompanied his suggestion with these verses:

"To make this trivial world sublime,Take a half a gram of phanerothyme. "

(To make this trivial world sublime,
Take a half-gram of phanerrothyme.)

Humphry Osmond: the inventor of the term

Humphry Osmond was a British psychiatrist, pioneer in the research on psychoactive substances. His work has greatly contributed to our understanding of the effects of these substances on the human brain [4].

His work on Osmond psychoactive substances was particularly interested in the therapeutic potential of substances such as mescaline and LSD. It is within the framework of this research that he felt the need for a new term to describe the effects of these substances [2].

Aldous Huxley: the populizer

Aldous Huxley was a British writer famous, notably author of the dystopian novel "The best of all worlds". Her interest for them states altered of awareness led him to experiment with psychoactive substances under medical supervision [6].

His experience with mescaline

In May 1953, Huxley took 400 mg of mescaline under the supervision of Osmond. This experience was to deeply mark his life and his work [4].

"The doors of perception"

Following this experience, Huxley wrote "The doors of perception", a work which quickly became a classic of literature on psychedelics. This book greatly contributed to popularize the term "psychedelic" and to arouse public interest in these substances [6].

Huxley's objectives when he started to experiment with mescaline

Aldous Huxley had several goals when he started to experiment with mescaline:

• Access extraordinary states of consciousness : Huxley hoped that mescaline would allow him to see visionary and colorful landscapes, and to access states of conscience that transcend the ordinary.
• Explore the nature of perception and reality : Huxley was fascinated by the idea that the brain works as a "reductive valve" which limits consciousness. He hoped that the mescaline could open this valve and allow him to access an extended consciousness.
• Search for a spiritual illumination : Huxley believed that psychoactive drugs could break the barriers of the ego and bring it closer to spiritual illumination. He saw mescaline as a potential tool to reach mystical and transcendental states.
• Criticize and reassess traditional methods of spiritual quest : Huxley was skeptical about the effectiveness of traditional methods such as prayer and meditation to achieve high states of consciousness. He thought that mescaline could offer a more direct and effective path to transcendence

The immediate psychological effects of mescaline on Huxley

1. Intensified visual perception : Huxley has described an intensification of colors and shapes, with complex geometric patterns appearing before his closed and open eyes.
2. Feeling of transcendence : He felt a dissolution of the borders between himself and the outside world, feeling in communion with the universe and the objects around him.
3. Ego reduction : Huxley experienced a decrease in the perception of his own ego, feeling freed from the constraints of his personal identity and daily concerns.
4. Philosophical and spiritual reflections : Mescaline has stimulated deep thoughts on the nature of reality, perception and consciousness, strengthening its interest in spiritual and metaphysical questions.

The physical effects felt by Huxley after having taken meatcaline
In addition to the psychological effects, Huxley also felt several immediate physical effects after taking mescaline:

• Mydriase (pupil dilation) : MESCALINE caused a notable dilation of its pupils, a common effect of this substance.
• Increase in heart rate : Huxley felt an acceleration of its heart rate, a physical effect often associated with the consumption of mescaline.
• Body temperature changes : He also noted fluctuations in his body temperature, sometimes feeling hot then cold.
• Amplified body sensations: Huxley has reported an intensification of bodily sensations, feeling each touch and movement in a more lively and pronounced way.

The impact of the term "psychedelic"

In the scientific field, the term "psychedelic" was quickly adopted by the scientific community. It made it possible to more precisely categorize certain substances and their effects, opening the way to new research [5].

In popular culture

Beyond the scientific field, the word "psychedelic" quickly spread into popular culture. He became a key term of the counter-culture of the 1960s, associated with music, art and a certain way of life [7]. ## The inheritance of Osmond and Huxley

The evolution of research on psychedelics

The invention of the term "psychedelic" by Osmond and its popularization by Huxley laid the foundations for a fascinating field of research. Today, studies on psychedelic substances are experiencing renewed interest, especially for their therapeutic potentials [4].

The influence on the counter-culture of the 60s The concept of "psychedelic" deeply marked the counter-culture of the 60s. It inspired artistic, musical and philosophical movements which continue to influence our culture today [7 ].

Conclusion

The history of the word "psychedelic" is much more than a simple linguistic anecdote. It illustrates how collaboration between a scientist and a writer can give birth to a concept that transcends the boundaries of science and culture. Osmond and Huxley, by their creativity and curiosity, have forged a term that continues to shape our understanding of human consciousness and its potential.

Faq

1. What exactly means the word "psychedelic"?

The term "psychedelic" comes from the Greek "psychē" (soul) and "dēloun" (making visible). It literally means "which reveals the soul" [5].

2. When was the term "psychedelic" invented?

The term was coined in 1956 by psychiatrist Humphry Osmond[1].

3. What was Aldous Huxley's role in the history of the word "psychedelic"?

Huxley participated in the creation of the term through his correspondence with Osmond and contributed greatly to its popularization through his writings, notably "The Doors of Perception".[6]

4. What substances are considered psychedelics?

The most well-known psychedelic substances include LSD, mescaline, psilocybin (found in some mushrooms), and DMT.[4]

5. Is the term "psychedelic" still used in science today?

Yes, the term is still used in science, particularly in the field of research into the potential therapeutic effects of these substances[5].

Quotes:

[1] https://www.cnrtl.fr/etymologie/psych%C3%A9d%C3%A9lique [2] https://fr.wiktionary.org/wiki/psychad%C3%A9lique [3] https:/ /www.psychoactif.org/forum/2018/11/28/Les-lettres-Aldous-Huxley-Humphry-Osmond_39784_1.html [4] https://societepsychedelique.fr/fr/blog/histoire-de-la-decouverte-de-quelque-hallucinogenes [5] https://www.dictionnaire-academie.fr/article/A9P4915 [6] https ://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Portes_de_la_perception [7] https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psych%C3%A9d%C3%A9lism