Louis Lewin

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Louis Lewin was a German pharmacologist who, in 1886, published the first methodical analysis of the Peyote cactus.

[edit] Drug Classification

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)