Albrecht Wilhelm Roth

Who was Albrecht Wilhelm Roth?

Albrecht Wilhelm Roth was a physician and botanist born in Dötlingen, Germany.

He studied medicine at the Universities of Halle and Erlangen, where he received his doctorate in 1778. After graduation he practiced medicine in Dötlingen, and shortly afterwards relocated to Bremen-Vegesack.

Roth is remembered for his influential scientific publications, particularly in the field of botany. His botanical research and writings came to the attention of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who recommended Roth to a position at the botanical institute at the University of Jena.

Two of his better written works were Tentamen florae germanica, and Novae plantarum species praesertim Indiae orientalis. The latter work is primarily based on botanical specimens collected by Moravian missionary Benjamin Heyne.

The botanical genus Rothia from the family Fabaceae is named after him.