1831-Darwin begins his voyage to South America on board the HMS Beagle
1836-Worst English avalanche kills 8 of 15 buried (Lewes Sussex)
1845-Ether 1st used in childbirth in U.S., Jefferson GA
1871-World's 1st cat show (Crystal Palace, London)
1934-1st youth hostel in U.S. opens (Northfield MA)
1934-Shah of Persia declares Persia now Iran
1961-Belgium & Congo resume diplomatic relations
1975-Explosion at Chasnala Colliery collapses drowning 350 (Dhanbad India)
1976-Albania constitution goes into effect
1978-King Juan Carlos ratifies Spain's 1st democratic constitution
1992-Harry Connick Jr is caught with 9mm gun in New York's JFK airport