Mike Jay on Mescaline | Living Mirrors #63

Mike Jay's "High Society" explores the history and cultural impact of mind-altering drugs across various societies and time periods. The book examines the diverse ways in which drugs have been used for religious, medicinal, and recreational purposes. Jay delves into the social and cultural contexts surrounding drug use, highlighting the complex interplay between individual experience and societal norms. The book provides a broad historical perspective on the human relationship with psychoactive substances. It offers insights into the cultural significance of drugs and their enduring influence on human societies.

Mike Jay's "Emperors of Dreams" offers a detailed exploration of the history of drugs in the 19th century. The book examines the social, cultural, and scientific contexts surrounding the use of various psychoactive substances during this period. Jay explores the evolving perceptions of drugs, from their medicinal applications to their recreational use and the emergence of early drug control measures. The book provides a rich historical context for understanding the complex relationship between society and drugs. It offers insights into the social and cultural forces that shaped the use and perception of drugs in the 19th century.

Heinrich Kluver's "Mescal and Mechanisms of Hallucinations" is a seminal work in the study of visual perception and altered states of consciousness. The book meticulously documents the visual hallucinations experienced by individuals under the influence of mescaline. Kluver identified recurring patterns, or "form constants," in these hallucinations, suggesting underlying neurological mechanisms. His work significantly contributed to our understanding of the brain's visual processing system and the nature of hallucinations. The book's detailed descriptions and analysis continue to influence research in neuroscience, art history, and related fields.

The book is divided into two sections: 'The Teachings' and 'A Structural Analysis'. It describes Castaneda's experiences with Don Juan Matus, a self-proclaimed Yaqui Indian Sorcerer, between 1960 and 1965. The narrative includes encounters with teaching spirits, divination, and transformations induced by the ingestion of peyote, jimson weed, and magic mushrooms. The book challenges traditional perceptions of reality, emphasizing the importance of shifting one's perception and consciousness to achieve true freedom. Despite its initial presentation as an anthropological work, it is now widely considered to be a work of fiction.

In this book, Huxley recounts his first psychedelic experience with mescaline in May 1953. He describes how the drug altered his perception of the world, making ordinary objects and experiences take on profound aesthetic and philosophical significance. Huxley draws on various philosophical and spiritual traditions, including those of William Blake, Meister Eckhart, Plato, and Buddhism, to contextualize his insights. The book challenges conventional views on perception and reality, suggesting that certain substances can reveal deeper aspects of existence that are normally filtered out by the human brain's 'reducing valve'

Published in 1971, 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' is a novel written by Hunter S. Thompson, presented as a blend of journalism and fiction. The story follows journalist Raoul Duke (Thompson's alter ego) and his attorney, Dr. Gonzo (based on Oscar Zeta Acosta), as they embark on a trip to Las Vegas to cover the Mint 400 motorcycle race. However, their assignment quickly devolves into a chaotic and surreal journey fueled by a variety of recreational drugs. The novel critiques American society, consumerism, and the failure of the 1960s counterculture, while also exploring the concept of the American Dream. The narrative is characterized by its blurred lines between reality and fiction, reflecting Thompson's signature Gonzo journalism style.

Mike Jay's 'Mescaline: A Global History of the First Psychedelic' delves into the rich history of mescaline, tracing its use from ancient American cultures to its modern applications in psychiatry and beyond. The book offers a nuanced exploration of mescaline's impact on art, science, and indigenous traditions, weaving together diverse narratives to create a captivating account of this influential substance.

Published in 1956, 'Howl and Other Poems' is a seminal work of American literature. The collection includes Ginsberg's most famous poem, 'Howl,' which is a powerful critique of modern society and a celebration of the Beat Generation's values of nonconformity and creative expression. The book also features other notable poems that reflect Ginsberg's unique voice and poetic style.