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
Research Query: LSD Testing in the 1950s
A researcher hopes to contact volunteer participants in “truth sera” experiments.
You might also like
One of Harvard’s Oldest Structures Is Hiding Behind a Beer Garden
A crumbling wall in Harvard Square holds centuries of the city’s story, if you know how to read it.
Yesterday’s News
How a book on fighting the “Devill World” survived Harvard’s historic fire.
At Harvard’s Beck-Warren House, Ghosts Speak Many Languages
The quirky 1833 home now hosts Celtic scholars.
Most popular
Explore More From Current Issue
Rabbi, Drag Queen, Film Star
Sabbath Queen, a new documentary, follows one man’s quest to make Judaism more expansive.
Inside Harvard’s Most Egalitarian School
The Extension School is open to everyone. Expect to work—hard.