PiHKAL – A Chemical Love Story
Posted on | March 20, 2010 | Comments Off
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Review of the book by Alexander and Ann Shulgin
A unique book, combining an interesting semi-autobiographical love story, with the account of the scientific investigation of the effects of a range of mind-altering psychedelic chemical compounds. Through open and honest description, the two authors also give an intriguing insight into the human mind (and soul), while the second half of the book gives detailed descriptions of the method of synthesis, effects and other information relating to 179 chemicals the couple have tested.
Reading this book evokes a wide range of emotions. From admiration for a scientist who, investigating chemicals’ effects on the human body, is prepared to administer them to himself first of all, to frustration at a long, drawn out account of the relationship between two highly educated but emotionally insecure human beings. There is envy, for the experiences they describe which are deeper than anything the regular man in the street would understand, and concern, as they and their friends expose themselves to huge risks in taking newly synthesised chemicals which could permanently disable or even kill them.
From a scientific point of view, to read of Alexander Shulgin’s desire to undertake totally independent, systematic research on compounds that are regularly vilified by the authorities (I admit that I was surprised when I discovered that the MDMA compound – which the authors consider to be almost a Holy Grail of psychological treatment – is actually Ecstasy – which has been linked to the death of many young people involved in the rave scene), is a shot in the arm (pardon the pun!). In this age in which scientists are driven by the need to obtain commercial or political support for their activity, it is refreshing to read of this man whose aim is to find out how chemicals that affect the mind might help in psychological treatments, regardless of finance or politics.
The title, PiHKAL, stands for Phenethylamines I Have Known And Loved, and the subtitle, “A Chemical Love Story” is ambiguous enough to suggest both the human love story between the two main protagonists and the love between Shulgin and the substances he is investigating. The first 450 pages of the book tells the story of the relationship between Alexander (Shura) Borodin and a woman called Alice, who meets and falls in love with him. The story is told, first from the point of view of Shura, then Alice, and then a mixture of the two. It is slow in places, but with enough variety to keep the reader interested. The second half of the book contains detailed instructions of how to synthesise the compounds in a well equipped laboratory, and is a potentially useful reference for organic chemists and others interested in mind-altering chemicals.
Overall the book is a fascinating insight into the potential of these chemicals for sensible humans beings to explore their consciousness, and indeed their spirituality. It leaves the reader in a state of depression realising that this potential is unlikely to be realised while national governments react to their misuse with heavy-handed legislation.
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