University Libraries Promotion and Tenure Recognition

Richard Doyle Professor of English

Book Title: Pihkal: A Chemical Love Story

Author: Alexander and Ann Shulgin

Selection Statement:

The book is a stellar example of scientific autobiography and is unyielding in its attempt to understand human conciousness through introspection, chemistry and fiction. A collaboration between a chemist and a therapist, Pihkal's 984 pages prove that curiosity and inquiry can and do triumph over ignorance, denial and prohibition. I am honored to offer this text to the University Libraries as part of my promotion to Professor. May it serve to remind us of the value of freedom of thought and inquiry--the cognitive liberty at the heart of a great University.


Year: 2004