Overview

Louis Lewin (November 9, 1850 - December 1, 1929) was a German pharmacologist. In 1886, he published the first methodical analysis of the Peyote cactus. A German scientist, Lewin took up the task of classifying drugs and plants in accordance to their psychological effects. The classifications were, Inebriantia (Inebriants), Exitantia (Stimulants), Euphorica (Euphoriants), Hypnotica (Tranquilizers), and Phantastica (Hallucinogens).

Toxicological Perspective

One of Lewin's most enduring tasks was to create a system of classification of drugs and psychoactive plants based on their pharmacologic action. His original categories were:

• Inebriantia (Inebriants - Such as alcohol or ether)
• Exitantia (Stimulants - Such as Khat or Amphetamine)
• Euphorica (Euphoriants and Narcotics - Such as Heroin)
• Hypnotica (Tranquilizers - Such as Kava)
• Phantastica (Hallucinogens or Entheogens - Such as Peyote or Ayahuasca)