68. Galba accuses Nero before the people of his enormities, and elects himself lieutenant of the state.
1068. William, the conqueror, again imposes the tax of Danegelt which occasioned an armed opposition at Exeter.
1143. John II (Commenus), emperor of the East, died. He ascended the throne of Constantinople on the death of his father; was victorious over the Mohammedans and other foes; and swayed the sceptre with wisdom and ability.
1367. Battle of Navarette, and victory of Edward the black prince, by which Peter the cruel was replaced on the Castilian throne.
1421. Battle of Beauge, in France, when the duke of Clarence and 1500 English were slain.
1617. John Napier, baron of Merchiston, died. He was born in Scotland, in 1550, and after completing his education traveled on the continent. On his return he devoted himself to the cultivation of science and literature, became a distinguished mathematician, and was regarded by Kepler as one of the greatest men of the age. He is known as the inventor of logarithms for the use of navigators.
1646. Thomas Lydiat, an English chronologer, died. He early devoted himself to literature, became an able scholar, and was deservedly esteemed by the learned of the times.
1707. Edmund Dickinson, a learned English physician, died. He was appointed physician to Charles II and his successor; and retired from practice to become an author.
1717. James Ozenham, an eminent French mathematician, died. He taught mathematics at Paris, and acquired property; but the Spanish war reduced his finances, and the death of his wife and twelve children embittered his last days. His works are numerous and valuable.
1736. John Albert Fabricius, a learned German, died at Hamburgh. He was an indefatigable scholar, of great modesty and simplicity of manners, and so highly esteemed by the citizens of Hamburgh, that when invited elsewhere, the senate prevailed on him by a superior salary, not to relinquish his residence among them.