The quote "the figure dropped like an acid tab into the mouth of Time" from Thomas Pynchon's "Inherent Vice" evokes a vivid image of someone or something merging seamlessly with the relentless flow of time. This metaphor suggests a sense of dissolution and transformation, similar to how LSD interacts with perception. The imagery implies a surreal experience where the boundaries of reality may blur, reflecting the novel’s themes of nostalgia and the complexities of the past influencing the present.

Pynchon's work often explores the intersection of culture, substance use, and the passage of time. In this context, the phrase emphasizes not just the act of surrendering to time, but also the chaotic, often distorted experiences that accompany it. The comparison to an acid tablet highlights a psychedelic journey through memory and history, reinforcing the book's exploration of the counterculture and the elusive nature of truth in a changing world.