A recently declassified letter-unsigned but originating from a pharmaceutical laboratory in Switzerland-offers rare insight into the controlled distribution and production of LSD for research purposes during the mid-20th century.
Though brief and clinical in tone, the letter is revealing. It discusses the preparation of a new batch of LSD labeled with carbon-14 isotopes, outlines expected chemical activity, and notes the delay in supply due to the lab’s desire to ensure consistency in the product’s behavior.
"We wanted to wait until the chemist could tell us about the new batch before we sent any."
🧬 Precision Over Secrecy
What stands out in the communication is the scientific precision-not secrecy or subterfuge.
The letter lists the specific radioactivity levels of the batch and details the expected microcurie levels per millimole, ensuring the recipient knew exactly what to expect.
The tone is matter-of-fact, and the letter ends with a polite note that only a few milligrams would be sent, due to the limited nature of the batch and its high cost.
"The price of C-labeled LSD covers only our expenses for synthesis."
💉 A Glimpse Into the Scientific Supply Chain
The contents suggest that LSD was not being distributed recklessly, but rather as part of a targeted and controlled research framework.
The laboratory appeared invested in the product’s reliability and in providing transparent data about its behavior and potency.
There is no indication of military use in this letter, but it adds a layer of context to the broader period-when psychedelic substances were being tested for both therapeutic and intelligence purposes.
"This LSD will be ready containing 0.52 microcuries of C14 per millimole."
📜 A Brief, Illuminating Record
Though undated and addressed to unnamed recipients, the letter survives as a small yet important fragment of history.
It highlights the scientific interest in hallucinogenic compounds at a time when their potential, both for medicine and control, was still being explored.
It doesn’t read like a classified project-it reads like a routine supply update.
But that’s what makes it all the more compelling: insight through mundanity.
