10. Albert Hofmann
Albert Hofmann, a Swiss chemist who lived to 102, is famously known for his discovery of LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) and its psychoactive properties. In a bold act of self-experimentation, Hofmann deliberately ingested LSD in 1943 to explore its effects. This groundbreaking experience led him to become the first person to document the profound psychological effects of the drug, which he described as a “wonderful experience.” Hofmann’s pioneering work not only opened the door to research on psychoactive substances but also sparked a cultural revolution in the 1960s, highlighting the complex interplay between chemistry, consciousness, and self-exploration.