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Programming On LSD

The document describes how the author used a small dose of LSD to help with a complex computer programming project in 1975. While under the influence of 75 micrograms of LSD, the author was able to visualize the entire programming system and discover some design inconsistencies. After the effects of the LSD wore off, the author reviewed their notes and made changes to the design. These changes improved the overall consistency and reduced future errors, allowing the author to successfully complete the large programming project.

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875 views1 page

Programming On LSD

The document describes how the author used a small dose of LSD to help with a complex computer programming project in 1975. While under the influence of 75 micrograms of LSD, the author was able to visualize the entire programming system and discover some design inconsistencies. After the effects of the LSD wore off, the author reviewed their notes and made changes to the design. These changes improved the overall consistency and reduced future errors, allowing the author to successfully complete the large programming project.

Uploaded by

dizzythinks9964
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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22 maps • volume xviii number 1 • spring 2oo8

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.
At one point in the project I could not After twenty-four hours when the
get an overall viewpoint for the operation effect of the LSD was completely gone, I
of the entire system. It really was too much went over my notes. I needed to have a
for my brain to keep all the subtle aspects measure of ‘faith’ that the design changes
and processing nuances clear so I could get suggested by my notes would produce the
a processing and design overview. After beneficial effects they seemed to imply;
struggling with this problem for a few that is, I was again in the condition of
weeks, I decided to use a little acid to see if being not able to conceive of the entire
it would enable a breakthrough, because system at the same time in my mind.
otherwise, I would not be able to complete Once all the changes were made, I was
the project and be certain of a consistent able to successfully complete the program-
Dennis R. Wier overall design. Overall design consistency ming of this huge system. The design
[email protected] was important to reduce program and changes I made reduced future program
Executive Director design errors. modification errors and contributed to the
Trance Research Foundation, Inc. I used only seventy-five micrograms elegance of the design. The system was a
Paris, France because I was not interested in tripping, as commercial success for my employer and
I had a specific, limited and definite was used for many years by them. Al-
purpose for the use of LSD. While stimu- though the use of LSD was an important
lated by the LSD I was able to get the component of the success of the system,
entire system wholly in my mind at the no one knew of its use except me. •
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.

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