This book, authored by experienced researchers in the hallucinogenic drug field, is intended to fill the gap created by most previously published work, which tends to be either highly technical or emotional and partisan. The authors range from ardent proponents to skeptics, but they share a commitment to scientific evidence and the clear explication of it. Of the 9 chapters, only one is devoted exclusively to a discussion of the psychological state produced by psychedelic agents. Two chapters relate studies of LSD in the treatment of alcoholism. In another chapter, Dr. Hoffer, an early enthusiast of LSD treatment for many conditions, now is circumspect about its therapeutic efficacy. Adverse reactions to LSD are the sole focus of two authors: Potential Dangers of the Hallucinogens, by Samuel Irwin, Ph.D., and The Hallucinogens and Embryonic Malformations, by Robert Auerbach, Ph.D.; the chapters on therapeutic applications also tabulate untoward effects. Dr. Fort's contribution covers the social aspects and implications of psychedelic drug research. More hopeful considerations of the role of psychedelic drugs for society are voiced in Dr. Freedman's summary of prospects and problems of research with these agents, and in Dr. Krippner's assessment of their prodigious impact on contemporary art and music. (Author/JLB)