.
By Kristin Leaman
Collection Overview
Scope and Contents of the Materials
The Leo Zeff papers (1985-1988; 0.2 cubic feet) documents his research on ibogaine through photographs, reports and correspondence.
Biographical Note
Before Leo J. Zeff (May 14, 1912 – April 13, 1988) graduated with his PhD and began his private practice in Oakland, California, he proudly served in the army as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was one of the first psychologists to be licensed as a PhD, and he specialized in Jungian psychology. In 1961, Zeff was introduced to MDMA by Alexander Shulgin. His plans for retirement immediately ceased once he discovered the possible therapeutic benefits of using the drug in some of his patients’ sessions. Zeff named MDMA “Adam” and when LSD and like drugs were made illegal, Zeff made the difficult decision to go underground and keep treating his patients with the drugs. Due to this unorthodox practice, Zeff operated under pseudonyms when mentioned in other researchers’ works. It is not until 2004 when Zeff’s real name was used. He firmly believed that LSD along with other drugs such as psilocybin, MDA, harmaline, ibogaine, and MDMA was of benefit to several of his patients if administered properly. He invented a specific protocol and a basic set of rules for administering the drug, and music was played during the session. In The Secret Chief Revealed: Conversations with Leo Zeff, Pioneer in the Underground Psychedelic Therapy Movement Myron J. Stolaroff states: “Zeff believed this [playing music] to be very important. This is one area in which I wish the conversation-text had delved more deeply. The music which was considered so important is barely discussed, other than to say that it was always on.” Zeff is noted as a pioneer in his field and made many contributions and advancements in psychoactive substances research. The Council on Spiritual Practices has the Zeff Memorial Library, which contains books, anthologies, papers, and newsletters about entheogens.
Subject/Index Terms
Administrative Information
Repository:
Purdue University Libraries, Archives and Special Collections
Alternate Extent Statement:
3 folders
Access Restrictions:
This collection is open for research.
Use Restrictions:
To the extent that he owns the copyright, the donor has assigned the copyright of his works to the Archives; however, copyright of some items in this collection may be held by their respective creators. Consult the reference archivist for details.
Acquisition Source:
Sara Zeff Geber
Acquisition Method:
Donation
Preferred Citation:
MSP 74, Leo Zeff papers, Karnes Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries
Processing Information:
All materials have been placed in archival housing.
Finding Aid Revision History:
Updated 11/29/12
Other URL:
http://collections.lib.purdue.edu/fa/pdf/zeff_l.pdf
Box and Folder Listing
Browse by Folder:
[
Folder 1: Photographs],
[
Folder 2: Safety evaluations],
[Folder 3: Correspondence],
[
All]
- Folder 3: Correspondence
- Item 17: Correspondence from Howard S. Lotsof to Leo Zeff, 1987
- Item 18: Correspondence from the Honorable Charles A. Rangel to Howard S. Lotsof, 1988
- Item 19: Correspondence from Arthur E. Jacobson to Howard S. Lotsof, 1988
- Item 20: Correspondence from Charles R. Schuster to Howard S. Lotsof, 1988
- Item 21: Correspondence from Howard S. Lotsof to Leo Zeff, 1987
Browse by Folder:
[
Folder 1: Photographs],
[
Folder 2: Safety evaluations],
[Folder 3: Correspondence],
[
All]
