WATT, George. Old Meldrum, Aberdeenshire 24.4.1851 — Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire 2.4.1930. Sir. British (Scottish) Physician and Scientist in India. Son of John W., educated at King’s College and Marischal College in Aberdeen, studies at Glasgow University. From 1873 Professor of Botany at Calcutta University (Presidency College). In 1882 Medical and Scientific Officer in Burma-Manipur Boundary Commission, from 1884 scientific Assistant-Secretary to the Government of India. From 1887 Reporter on Economic Products to Government. From 1903 Director of Indian Art Exhibition. Retired in 1906 and settled in Lockerbie, Scotland. For five years also lectured at Edinburgh University. C.I.E. 1903. LL.D. Aberdeen and Glasgow. Married 1873 Jane Simmie, two daughters and one son.

Publications: “The Aboriginal Tribes of Manipur”, JRAnthrInst 16, 1887, 346-370.

– Edited: A Dictionary of the Economic Products of India. 6 vols. in 9. Calcutta 1889-93, and Index vol. by Edgar Thurston, 1896, abridged one-vol. version Commercial Products of India. L. 1908.

– Pests and Blights of the Tea Plant. 3+467+17 p. Calcutta 1898; Indian Art at Delhi. Being the Official Catalogue of the Delhi Exhibition, 1902-1903. 16+546 p. Calcutta 1903 (an exhibition).

– The wild and cultivated cotton plants of the world. 14+406 p. L. 1907; further books and articles.

Sources: Buckland, Dictionary; *I.H. Burkill, Kew Bulletin 1930, 327-336; *E.P. Stebbin, Nature 125, 1930, 677f.; Wikipedia with portrait.