1632. Frederick Borromeo, archbishop of Milan, died. He sustained an excellent character, and founded the Ambrosian library.
1646. John Francis Niceron died; an eminent French mathematician and optician; and author of some valuable works.
1662. John Biddle, styled the father of the English unitarians, died in prison, a martyr to principle.
1688. Francis Bernier, a celebrated French traveler and physician, died at Paris. He extended his travels to the Mogul empire, where he became physician to Aurungzebe.
1692. Two men and seven women executed at Salem for witchcraft. One of them was pressed to death for standing mute.
1703. Vincent Viviani, a famous Florentine mathematician, died. He was the pupil and friend of Galileo.
1708. Battle near Smolensko, in which the Swedes under Charles XII, consisting of six regiments of horse and 4,000 infantry, attacked and defeated 10,000 horse and 6,000 Calmucks. The king killed above a dozen with his own hand.
1735. Peter Browne, bishop of Cork, died. He distinguished himself by some philosophical writings.
1738. Joseph Averanius died; a Florentine philosopher, of great powers of mind.
1741. In the north of Ireland wheat sold at sixpence a stone of 14 lbs., and beef at one penny a pound.