Alex Boese: The History of Mad Science and Elephants on Acid
Explore the history of mad science with Alex Boese. Learn about the Museum of Hoaxes and the infamous Tusko the elephant LSD experiment from Elephants on Acid.
Best quote from Alex Boese: The History of Mad Science and Elephants on Acid
Boese’s work shows the thin line between genuine curiosity and ethical disaster, mapping the lengths people will go to for an answer and proving that science is often stranger than fiction.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
Alex Boese's books, all the quirky historical facts, list them all and describe in detail the discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alex Boese is a researcher and author who holds a master’s degree in the history of science from UC San Diego. He is the creator of the Museum of Hoaxes and is well-known for documenting the weird and wild corners of scientific history. During his time in graduate school, he compiled an extensive library of notes on fringe experiments that were often mentioned in textbooks but rarely explored in detail.
Elephants on Acid is a book by Alex Boese that focuses on bizarre and questionable experiments found in peer-reviewed journals. The book highlights the fringe of human inquiry by tracing how these strange studies actually occurred in real scientific history. One of the most famous accounts in the book involves a 1962 experiment where researchers administered a massive dose of LSD to an elephant named Tusko.
On August 3, 1962, researcher Louis Jolyon West and his team conducted an experiment to see if LSD could induce a state of intense aggression known as 'musth' in elephants. They administered a massive dose of the drug to an elephant named Tusko at the center of the study. This event serves as a primary example of the 'mad science' experiments Alex Boese tracks through historical records and scientific journals.
The Museum of Hoaxes is a project created by Alex Boese, who used his academic background in the history of science to spotlight the unusual and deceptive side of research. Boese spent years tracking down obscure experiments and hoaxes that exist on the fringes of scientific inquiry. His work often bridges the gap between peer-reviewed history and the seemingly unbelievable stories found in the annals of mad science.
Discover more
Psychedelic apes by Alex boese
This plan bridge the gap between evolutionary biology and the frontier of consciousness studies. It is ideal for curious minds, psychology students, and history buffs interested in how psychedelics and primate evolution shaped the modern human experience.
Oliver sacks and Alex boese
This learning plan bridges the gap between neurological observation and skeptical inquiry, offering a unique look at how our brains process reality. It is ideal for curious minds, students of psychology, and anyone looking to sharpen their critical thinking skills against modern misinformation.
Study MKUltra and Manipulation Techniques
Understanding the history and mechanics of mind control is essential for maintaining cognitive liberty in an age of sophisticated influence. This plan is ideal for students of psychology, history buffs, or anyone seeking to safeguard their mental autonomy against predatory manipulation.
Explore Human Mind, Culture & History
This plan bridges the gap between biological evolution and cultural history to explain what truly makes us human. It is ideal for curious minds seeking to understand the intersection of neuroscience, anthropology, and sociology.
Explore Bio, Politics, Psych, Philo & Zen
This interdisciplinary plan is designed for curious minds seeking to connect the dots between the physical world, social structures, and internal consciousness. It is ideal for lifelong learners who want to combine scientific rigor with philosophical depth to build a more comprehensive understanding of reality.
Explore Neuro, Behavior & Memoirs
This learning plan bridges the gap between hard science and personal storytelling, offering a holistic view of what makes us human. It is ideal for curious minds, aspiring writers, and professionals seeking to understand the neurobiological roots of behavior and the art of narrative.
Study Beh. Science, History & Psych
This learning plan offers a comprehensive journey through the evolution of psychological thought and behavioral analysis. It is ideal for students, professionals, or curious minds looking to decode human interaction and improve their own cognitive strategies.
Trippy physics and Buddhist stuff
This plan is designed for curious minds seeking to bridge the gap between hard science and spiritual philosophy. It is ideal for those interested in how quantum mechanics and neuroscience validate ancient Buddhist concepts of consciousness and reality.
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
