Phantastica: A Classic Survey on the Use and Abuse of Mind-Altering Plants (Paperback)

by Louis Lewin M.D. (Author) "From the first beginning of our knowledge of man, we find him consuming substances of no nutritive value,but taken for the sole purpose of producing..." (more)
Key Phrases: betel morsel, anhalonium lewinii, functional reaction, Far East, New Guinea, South America (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
One of the primary classics in the field of ethnopsychopharmacology. -- Mark Blumenthal, HerbalGram

[An] open-minded, scientific approach to the study of psychoactives. -- Timothy White, Shaman's Drum, Summer 1999

Review
"Phantastica has weathered the test of time quite well, and it continues to bear testimony to the scientific dedication and keen wisdom of one of the world's great psychopharmacologists. [An] open-minded, scientific approach to the study of psychoactives."
(

Timothy White, Shaman's Drum, Summer 1999

)

"One of the primary classics in the field of ethnopsychopharmacology. The information is given in a lucid, authoritative manner and represents the most advance thinking on these substances up to the first quarter of this century."
(

Mark Blumenthal, HerbalGram

)

"This book gives the reader a worldwide tour of inebriation, addiction, and devotional ecstasy along with his insightful perspective of human nature."
(

American Herb Association

)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Park Street Press (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892817836
• ISBN-13: 978-0892817832
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #965,063 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Landmark Study, May 11, 2004

By	Pieter "Toypom" (Johannesburg) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

This classic of ethnobotany was first published in 1924. Louis Lewin (1850 - 1929) was a world famous pharmacologist and this interesting work remains a landmark of psychedelic research.

The preface provides an overview of psychological considerations; the introduction looks at the motives for the use of these substances, the importance of the mental constitution in relation to external stimuli, tolerance and habituation, and immunity against poisons.

The author then looks at the mode of action and the classification of narcotic and stimulant drugs. The next section, EUPHORICA, investigates mental sedatives like opium, cocaine and codeine and its derivates. Next is PHANTASTICA (on hallucinogens) which deals with anhalonium lewinii, Indian hemp, fly agaric and the solanaceae.

Alcohol, chloroform, ether, benzene and nitrous oxide are discussed under INEBRIANTIA, whilst HYPNOTICA: SOPORIFICS deals with stuff like chloral, veronal, potassium bromide, sulphonal and kava-kava. The last chapter is called EXCITANTIA and investigates camphor, betel, kat, caffeine, tea, kola nut, guarana, cocoa, tobacco and others.

This early work remains a fascinating study of an impressive array of psychoactive substances from around the world. The text is engaging and will appeal to the general reader as much as the scientist. The book concludes with notes containing bibliographic references, and an index.