In the first half of the 1950s, Henry Beecher of Harvard Medical School oversaw a series of experiments, sponsored by the U.S. Army Research Council, that were designed to test “truth sera” using various drugs, including LSD. The drugs were tested on volunteers, some of them Harvard students. Now Beecher professor of anesthesia James Rathmell is preparing an historical article on Beecher and his research. If you—or anyone you know—volunteered for Beecher’s experiments, Rathmell would like to hear from you: rathmell.james@mgh.harvard.edu. Confidentiality will be assured for those who wish it.
Research Query: LSD Testing in the 1950s
A researcher hopes to contact volunteer participants in “truth sera” experiments.
You might also like
A Harvard President’s VW Beetle That Kept On Giving
Derek Bok donated his car for a good cause.
The Year a Beat Poet Squatted at Harvard
In 1954, Gregory Corso moved into Eliot House. How he stayed there is a literary legend.
Cambridge Once Fought Harvard’s DNA Research. Now There’s a Play About It.
A theatrical reenactment explores a 1976 clash between science and democracy.
Most popular
Explore More From Current Issue
The Harvard graduate’s roundtable talk show touches on hot button issues from religion to sex.
Plus, veteran higher education leader Thomas Ehrlich reflects on university curricula for his 70th reunion
Despite personnel losses, Crimson captain Xaviah Bascon is upbeat about the 2026 season.