This paper, based in part on joint work with Stanis{\l}aw Domoradzki,
concerns Lucjan Emil B\"ottcher (1872-1937)-- a little-known Polish
mathematician active in Lw\'ow. I outline B\"ottcher's scholarly path, focusing
on his studies in Leipzig with Sophus Lie, his later academic career in Lw\'ow
and the hindrances he faced in its advancement. I also describe very briefly
his mathematical achievements. In view of later developments in holomorphic
dynamics, I argue that, despite flaws in his work, B\"ottcher should be
regarded not only as a contributor to the area but in fact as one of its
founders.Comment: This is an expanded version of a talk delivered at the conference
"Perception of Science in the Central and Eastern Europe in the period
1850-1920", Krak\'ow, Poland, September 20-22, 2013. The talk was intended
for mostly non-mathematical audienc
