Kupcis Robert

Kupcis Robert (1881–1954), Latvian chemist and pharmacist. He was born in Latvia. In 1908 he graduated from the chemical-pharmaceutical Department of Medical Faculty of Kazan University. On the recommendation of University’s administration, R. Kupcis departed to the South Caucasus and found work of an expert of chemicalmicroscopic research department at the medical department of the City Office. In the same year, R. Kupcis was appointed the chief of laboratory for material evidence research of forensic medicine. He headed the said laboratory for the rest of his life. At the same time he was engaged in scientific work. Most of his research concerned mineral and sweet waters of Georgia. Until his arrival in Georgia, only 30 mineral springs had been studied. Kupcis explored over 1000 springs. He gave impetus to organizing and developing such Georgian resorts as Tskaltubo, Menji, Leberda, Shovi, Sairme, Lugela, etc. He exemined over 3000 natural water reservoirs. His research materials were used by geologists, hydrologists, civil engineers. Water cadaster of Georgia was compiled on the basis of the data, collected by R. Kupcis. He wrote important research works on chemical composition and characteristics of Georgian therapeutic muds.

R. Kupcis died in Tbilisi.