“Nicholas writes really engaging, well researched posts that are always worth the read.”
:“A fascinating study of the chemical underpinnings that shape our behaviors and our minds. Every post is a font of knowledge you won't want to miss.”
:“Informative (and also fun!) articles about neuroscience and the inner workings of the brain.”
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Chemistry defines us. We are part of the same 4-billion-year-old chemical reaction from which all life on earth is manifest. Replication, reproduction, multi-cellularity, sensation, emotion, thought, consciousness, all of it is a product of this epic chemical reaction, begun so long ago, from a fortunate mixing of ingredients in the primordial seas. Everything we are is chemical. Why is this important? Because chemistry can be influenced and changed, and in doing so, we can influence and change who we are.
The purpose of this community is to explore the brain, its chemistry, physiology, and the amazing histories and stories behind the discovery of its functions and dysfunctions.
Medical mysteries, stories of great triumphs and genius, cautionary tales, egos, hubris, malpractice, conspiracy theories, and so much more.
I am an amateur, relying on my wits, personal experiences, interviews with actual famous neuroscience masters, and a lot of reading to bring together and synthesise the science and history behind it.
Be warned: I’m not here to sell you self-help.
I don’t have any advice on how to overcome your own physiology through willpower.
I have no suggestions on how to impress your friends with telekinesis (sadly).
Instead, we’re gonna learn a lot about the brain, the scientists studying it, patients suffering from its dysfunction, and the many fascinating histories, stories and mind-blowing facts (pun intended) behind that squishy ball of protein inside your skull.
Note: I do NOT use generative AI to write or to produce my artworks. I have used AI in the past to generate cover images, however I no longer do so.
All writing, images, audio and music content on A Chemical Mind are made myself.
And who am I?
Hi, I’m Nicholas, from Australia. I’m a terribly non-photogenic software engineer, and I have ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and a few other things. I do a lot of thinking and reading on every subject you could ever imagine, and especially subjects related to the brain.
Every single subscriber is a huge encouragement for me to keep going. I’d love to hear from you, find out what areas you’d like me to write more about, even just to say hi, so feel free to leave comments or join the substack chat thing.
Thank you!
I’m trying to keep A Chemical Mind free of paywalls. If you’d like to help, please consider purchasing something from my DopaMerch online store, or making a kind donation.
