Fitz Hugh Ludlow

Fitz Hugh Ludlow was an American author and journalist of the 19th century, who is remembered for his work on drug literature, particularly his book "The Hasheesh Eater," in which he recounts his experiences with various drugs, including hashish, opium, and ether.

Ludlow was a prominent figure in the New York literary scene of the mid-1800s, and he was known for his advocacy of social causes, such as women's suffrage and temperance. However, he was also a prolific drug user, experimenting with various substances in an attempt to explore the limits of his consciousness and creativity.

His most famous work, "The Hasheesh Eater," is a vivid account of his experiences with hashish, a concentrated form of cannabis. The book was a sensation when it was first published in 1857, and it helped to popularize the drug among intellectuals and artists of the time.

In addition to hashish, Ludlow also experimented with opium, which he took as a pain reliever and as a way to enhance his creativity. He wrote extensively about his experiences with the drug, and he was known to be a vocal advocate for its medicinal properties.

Ludlow was also known to have used ether, a powerful anesthetic, in order to explore the boundaries of his consciousness. He wrote about his experiences with the drug in several of his essays, and he was fascinated by its ability to induce profound altered states of consciousness.

Despite his drug use, Ludlow was a respected writer and journalist, and he was well-regarded among his peers for his wit and his insights into social and political issues of the day. Unfortunately, his drug use took a toll on his health, and he died at the young age of 34.

In conclusion, Fitz Hugh Ludlow was a complex and fascinating figure, whose exploration of various drugs helped to shape the cultural landscape of the 19th century. His book "The Hasheesh Eater" remains an important work in the field of drug literature, and his advocacy for the medicinal properties of opium helped to change the way the drug was viewed in society. While his life was cut short by his drug use, his legacy as a writer and thinker endures, and he continues to be an influential figure in the world of drug literature and beyond.

References:

1. Ludlow, F. H. (2006). The Hasheesh Eater: Being Passages from the Life of a Pythagorean. BiblioBazaar.
2. Ludlow, F. H. (1863). The Heart of the Continent. James Miller.
3. Carter, J. M. (2010). Fitz Hugh Ludlow, The Hasheesh Eater and American drug literature. Southern Illinois University Press.
4. Courtwright, D. T. (2001). Forces of habit: Drugs and the making of the modern world. Harvard University Press.