Albert Hofmann and His “Wunderkind” (“Wonder Child) – The Story Behind My Problem Child

In this article, you’ll learn a little-known story about Albert Hofmann and LSD, and why his most famous book “Mein Sorgenkind” (“My Problem Child”) was originally meant to be called “Mein Wunderkind” (“My Wonder Child”).

April 19 – Bicycle Day and the Rediscovery of LSD-25

Every year on April 19, LSD enthusiasts around the world celebrate Bicycle Day – the day in 1943 when Albert Hofmann conducted his first self-experiment with LSD-25. But the story behind this discovery is much more than a historical footnote. It is deeply tied to the emotional relationship between Hofmann and the substance he discovered – a relationship he once described with the words “Mein Wunderkind.”

LSD-25: Rediscovered at the Sandoz Laboratory

Nearly 82 years ago, Albert Hofmann, a chemist at the pharmaceutical company Sandoz in Basel, returned to a substance he had first synthesized several years earlier: lysergic acid diethylamide, or LSD-25.

What began as a purely scientific curiosity soon became one of the most famous self-experiments in the history of research. On April 19, 1943, Hofmann rode his bicycle home – accompanied by intense internal images, visions, and a previously unknown state of consciousness.

He later described the experience as a journey into the “deepest depths of consciousness.”

“Mein Wunderkind” – A Title with a Story

In the years following his discovery, Hofmann repeatedly spoke of LSD as his “Wunderkind”. He was convinced of its potential – not only in medical research, but also as a tool for expanding human awareness. This deep connection was something he also wanted reflected in the title of his most well-known book.

When he published his autobiographical work in 1979, Hofmann originally wanted to title it:

“LSD – Mein Wunderkind”
(LSD – My Wonder Child)

But the publisher had other plans.

From Wonder Child to Problem Child

The proposed title “Mein Wunderkind” was rejected by the publisher – it was considered too positive, too harmless-sounding, perhaps even glorifying. In a time when LSD had become highly politicized and associated with public fear and controversy, such a title was seen as inappropriate and risky.

Albert Hofmann was disappointed, but he accepted the decision. Thus, “Wunderkind” became “Sorgenkind” – the Problem Child – under which the book is still known today.

In various interviews, Hofmann later emphasized that he had initially called it his Wonder Child, then it became his Problem Child, and finally, he realized: it was both at the same time.

This perfectly illustrates the ambivalence with which Hofmann viewed his discovery – as a powerful scientific tool with extraordinary potential, but also as a misunderstood substance often taken out of its research context during a polarized era.

Conclusion: A Man Between Science and Vision

The story of Albert Hofmann, Mein Wunderkind, and Mein Sorgenkind is more than a historical anecdote. It speaks of responsibility, scientific curiosity, and a deeply human connection to a substance that continues to fascinate, inspire, and challenge us to this day.