WALLICH, Nathanael (born as Nathan ben Wulff W.). Copenhagen 28.1.1786 — London 28.4.1854. Danish Physician and Botanist in India. Son of Wulff ben Wallich (Wolff Lazarus Walllich), Jewish merchant with German background (from Altona). After surgeon’s examination in Copenhagen entered Danish medical service and went to Serampur (Frederiksnagore) in 1807. When this was soon seized by the British during Napoleonic wars, he was first imprisoned, but released in 1809 and joined British E.I.C.’s service in 1813. He was assistant of Roxburgh and in 1817-46 his successor as the Superintendent of Botanic Garden in Calcutta. From 1814 also Superintendent of the new museum of A.S.B. Retired to London for health reasons in 1846 and became Vice-President of Linnean Society. He explored Nepal and Assam and sent others to little known regions to study and collect plants. Named a great number of plants. M.D. 1819 Aberdeen. Presented a collection of Indian books to Copenhagen University. Twice married, 1812 with Juliane Hals (died very soon) and 1815 with Sophia Collings, seven children with her.
Publications: Edited with W. Carey W. Roxburgh’s Flora Indica. 1-3. Serampore 1820-32.
– Plantae Asiaticae Rariores. 1-3. London 1830-32; five botanical articles in As. Res.
Sources: *M. Krieger, N.W. Ein Botaniker zwischen Kopenhagen und Kalkutta. 2017; Buckland, Dictionary;*Pauly, Køb. Univ. 8, 1992, 522; Wikipedia with two drawings.
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