Use of LSD-25 for Computer Programming

[drummer]

Use of LSD-25 for Computer Programming

Here is a way I used LSD-25 for a complex programming project in 1975. I was working in New York developing a compiler for an application language called "MARLAN". This application was for the then popular IBM 360 and was written in 360 Assembler Language. There were six large phases for this application, and I was the responsible chief architect and programmer for the project. There were approximately eight hundred subroutines in the entire system.

Dennis R. Wier
Executive Director of Trance Research Foundation, Inc. Paris, France

At one point in the project I could not get an overall viewpoint for the operation of the entire system. It really was too much for my brain to keep all the subtle aspects and processing nuances clear so I could get a processing and design overview. After struggling with this problem for a few weeks, I decided to use a little acid to see if it would enable a breakthrough, because otherwise, I would not be able to complete the project and be certain of a consistent overall design. Overall design consistency was important to reduce program and design errors.

I used only seventy-five micrograms because I was not interested in tripping, as I had a specific, limited and definite purpose for the use of LSD. While stimulated by the LSD I was able to get the entire system wholly in my mind at the same time. I spent some time mentally visualizing various aspects of the compiler, the language and the processing which would take place. I did discover three or four design inconsistencies while being stimulated by the effect of the LSD, and I made notes for later checking.

After twenty-four hours when the effect of the LSD was completely gone, I went over my notes. I needed to have a measure of "faith" that the design changes suggested by my notes would produce the
beneficial effects they seemed to imply; that is, I was again in the condition of being not able to conceive of the entire system at the same time in my mind. Once all the changes were made, I was
able to successfully complete the programming of this huge system. The design changes I made reduced future program modification errors and contributed to the elegance of the design. The system was a
commercial success for my employer and was used for many years by them. Although the use of LSD was an important component of the success of the system, no one knew of its use except me.

page 22 maps • volume xviii number 1 • spring 2008

http://www.maps.org/news-letters/v18n1/v...APS_24.pdf

[Easy Skanking]

HA! Awesome!
Thanks for the find, drummer!

[yeti]

I don't do acid anymore, but when I need to see a coding project from "high altitude", I like to walk around for a couple of hours while stoned on skunk.

As a result, I can easily see the forest for the trees, and also come up with elegant solutions.

Doing low level coding while stoned is counterproductive in my experience, though...

[Weyland]

You know If I could find a EUROPEAN therapist that still does LSD therapy I think i would consider doing it. I was watching a documentary lately with Hoffman talking about falling asleep and then waking up and feeling like everything was new and fresh. I would really love to wake up and feel like everything is new fresh again it would be wonderful.

[Easy Skanking]

Quote:waking up and feeling like everything was new and fresh

That's the hallmark of a successful trip.;)

[---]

Quote:

Quote:waking up and feeling like everything was new and fresh

That's the hallmark of a successful trip.;)

i agree

really interesting, thanks drummer