Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 36, Number 2. 7th March 1973

[Schoenfeld's Reply]

In theory, abnormalities in the child could result from damaged chromosomes in the father. But this has never happened despite the hundreds of thousands or millions of prospective fathers who have taken LSD trips.

Gross changes in chromosomes would more likely result in sterility than malformations. Despite the scare stories, neither an increase in congenital defects nor a decreased birth rate has been shown among LSD users.

What is the composition of human semen? Is it particularly rich in hormones? What would be the effect of swallowing a small amount nearly daily? (I like the taste.) Would there be a significantly different effect on male and female systems?

Human semen is largely composed of sperm and secretions from the prostate gland. The Cowper and Littre glands of the penis also secrete a small amount of fluid, probably to lubricate the urethra of the penis.

The usual volume of ejaculated semen is from 3 to 5 cc (cubic centimeter) or about the contents of a teaspoon. Each cubic centimeter of semen contains 60 to 120 million spermatozoa. Testosterone, the male hormone produced by the testes, is released directly into the bloodstream and is not a constituent of semen. The effect of your swallowing semen nearly daily would be more easily detected in your friend than in you. But no large scale scientific investigation into this matter has been carried out.