
Dirty Pictures
2010 · Film · documentary · 90 min
Directed by Étienne Sauret
Alexander 'Sasha' Shulgin is the scientist behind more than 200 psychedelic compounds including MDMA, more commonly known as Esctasy. Considered to be one of the the greatest chemists of the twentieth century, Sasha's vast array of discoveries have had a profound impact in the field of psychedelic research. 'Dirty Pictures' delves into the lifework of Dr. Shulgin and scientists alike, explores the world of these scientists; their findings and motivations, their ideas, and their beliefs as to how research in this particular field can aid in unlocking the complexities of the mind.
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6 comments on Hacker News
I love this book and also the fantastic TiKHAL.
Anyone interested to know more is strongly advised to watch the documentary Dirty Pictures [0] so-called for Sasha's structural formulas of compounds.
[0] https://imdb.com/title/tt1592855/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadow_(psychology)
Interestingly, in the documentary _Dirty Pictures_[0], and in the books PiHKAL and TiHKAL, Ann Shulgin (widow of Alexander Shulgin, the chemist that re-synthesised MDMA and re-introduced it to the world) talks a lot about the shadow and her work as a therapist whilst working with MDMA shortly after it's effects became known. MDMA was initially trialled by psychiatrists working with the shadow.
[0]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SxjCE0f9_4
Since you're into the subject, at the risk of repeating my other comment in this page and seeming to oversell it, I'd like to call your attention to the documentary "Dirty Pictures" (if you haven't seen it): https://youtu.be/qXHyKyoHJzo
It's mostly of historical/political interest, but I'm repeating it here because I genuinely think if you're interested and somewhat knowledgable about this subject, you really should watch it.
An extraordinary man, both in personality and genius. If you haven't watched the documentary about his life yet, I highly suggest it: Dirty Pictures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5q1bBVzDpc
This man is an inspiration for a coming generation of scientists whose love of knowledge and truth should not be discredited because of their willingness to experiment with life and reality. He knew the chemistry and made it beautiful.
It's a great shame.
I recommend the "Dirty Pictures" - a documentary about his life:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5q1bBVzDpc
I second the reference to Doors of Perception. If you folks have the time, and you haven't already read about Sasha (Alexander Shulgin), give it a whirl. Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Shulgin
There's a movie on his life, isn't great but it's a decent watch, Dirty Pictures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA8ddx_iC_g