Appendixes : Notes

Notes on the Term 'Psychedelic'

In 'Plants of the Gods' Schultes and Hofmann argue that the term "psychedelic" is etymologically unsound as it has acquired other meanings in drug subculture. I would suggest that this etymological co-opting indicates the power of the term to describe pharmacological effect on sensation and perception. All other terms, including entheogen, hallucinogen, psychotomimetic, and so on, are essentially lacking in that they tend to highlight only a single aspect of the entire experience. Psychedelic, in contrast, suggests all possible permutations of mind in action.

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Notes and References

[1] Schultes, Hofmann, 'Plants of the Gods'. Healing Arts Press, Vermont, 1992.