1855. George Johnston, an eminent British surgeon, died, aged 58. While engaged in the practice of his profession, he devoted his leisure to natural history, in which he attained great eminence.
1855. John Woods, an eminent Ohio lawyer, died at Hamilton, aged 61. As state auditor he did much to preserve the public credit at a time of general depression.
JULY 31.
1423. Battle of Crevant, in France, in which the armies of the infant king of England were victorious.
1481. Franciscus Philadelphus, a learned Italian, died. He was at the head of the learned men of the day, professor of eloquence at Venice, and the personal friend of Lorenzo de Medici.
1498. Columbus discovered the island of Trinidad, resembling three mountains.
1556. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, died. He was a brave officer in the Spanish army, and while under the hands of a surgeon his mind was directed to the subject of religion by reading. After having made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and studied theology he went to Paris, and laid the foundation of an order, which in time became sufficiently powerful and corrupt.
1592. Sir Walter Raleigh disgraced, and sent with his lady to the tower.
1602. Charles Gonrault de Biron, a French admiral, beheaded in the bastile. He distinguished himself by flood and field, and was a great favorite at the court of Henry IV. His fondness of pleasure led to error and ruin.
1627. A terrible earthquake in Apulia, by which many thousands lost their lives.