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
Harvard Alumni Win Two 2026 Nobel Prizes
Karl Deisseroth revolutionized neuroscience. Navanethem “Navi” Pillay has adjudicated cases in international courts concerning genocide.
Olympian Juliet Hochman Trains Athletes to Push Their Limits
The Harvard triathlete and coach says she helps normal people to “do extraordinary things.”
Boston Ballet’s Ming Min Hui on Changing Audiences and Timothée Chalamet
The outgoing executive director and Harvard Business School graduate went from dancing The Nutcracker to growing a ballet company.
Most popular
Explore More From Current Issue
For advocacy and benevolence, three late alumni are reportedly in line for the Catholic Church’s highest honor.
These newly released novels, histories, and memoirs grapple with identity in all its forms.
The University is expanding industry ties and investing its own funds to support research, but neither will replace lost federal dollars.