MDMA had been chanced upon by the German pharmaceutical company Merck in 1912 (they also extracted cocaine from coca leaves around the same time). It was patented but since it had no obvious use it soon disappeared off the radar. Contrary to rumors, it was not developed as a diet pill.
Uniquely, Shulgin had a special license from the Federal Drugs Administration to develop and synthesize psychedelic drugs. In his career (documented in his book Phikal), he created over 300 substances, including 2-CT-7 and 2CB.
After a dramatic experience with mescaline, he was personally convinced that drugs could heal the mind, and was determined to prove it.
After creating a batch of MDMA, he took a nibble.
"I made it in my lab and nibbled. It gave me a pleasant lightness of spirit. That's all. No psychedelic effects whatsoever. Just a distinct lightness of mood. And an indication to get busy and do things that needed doing."
The public and unashamed use of such an obviously powerful drug, however, could only go on for so long.