BLATTER, Ethelbert (or Edelbert). Romanshorn, Appenzell 15.12.1877 — Pune 26.5.1934. S.J. Swiss Catholic Missionary Scholar in India. Son of the elder Edelbert Blatter, a physician. After father’s early death raised by his physician uncle in Rebstein, St.Gallen. School in Rebstein, Sarnen and Schwyz. Joined S.J. 1896, studied in Valkenburg, Netherlands. Ph.D. To India in 1903, in 1904-09 and 1915-24 Professor of Botany at St. Xavier’s College, Bombay. Travelled much around India conducting botanical research. In 1909-14 studied theology in Hastings, England, ordained priest 1912. In 1920-24 also rector of the College. In retirement as parish priest in Panchagan, Maharashtra continued botanical research, but suffered of diabetes. In an expedition to Waziristan in 1930 fell from a horse, which caused partial paralysis.

Publications: Much on Botany, e.g. The Palms of British India and Ceylon. 600 p. L. 1926; with C. M. McCann & T. S. Sahnis: The Flora of the Indus Delta. 173 p. 8 pl. 50 fig.1929.

– K. R. Kirtikar & B. D. Basu, Indian Medicinal Plants. Edited, revised & enlarged by E. B., K.S. Maskar & J. F. Caius. 1935.

Sources: *H. Holzer, “E.B. Ein Schweizer-Mahatma in Indien”, A. Clausen (ed.), Jesuiten gestern und heute. Konstanz 1985, 64-79; S. Koch, Jesuiten-Lexikon. 1934 (the only source in Dt. Biogr. Archiv 2nd Ser.); J. Stierli in Web HistLexSchweiz; Wikipedia with photo.