Acceptable Risk

Neuroscientist Edward Armstrong has isolated a psychotropic drug with a dark and controversial history, one that may account for the public hysteria during the Salem witch trials. In its new designer-drug form, it is being used as an antidepressant with remarkable therapeutic capabilities. But who can be sure that the drug is safe for consumer use, and who determines the boundaries of 'normal' human behavior? And if the drug's side effects are demonstrated to be… (more)

Neuroscientist Edward Armstrong has isolated a psychotropic drug with a dark and controversial history, one that may account for the public hysteria during the Salem witch trials. In its new designer-drug form, it is being used as an antidepressant with remarkable therapeutic capabilities. But who can be sure that the drug is safe for consumer use, and who determines the boundaries of 'normal' human behavior? And if the drug's side effects are demonstrated to be dangerous--even terrifying--how far will the pharmaceutical and medical establishment go to alter their standards of 'acceptable risk'?