In 1791 English physicist and chemist Michael Faraday is born. He discovered electromagnetic induction and the basic law on electrolysis. The unit for electric capacity is named after him.

In 1862 American president Abraham Lincoln announced the abolition of slavery.

In 1961 the American congress confirms the foundation of the Peace Corps.

In 1969 China carried out its first nuclear underground test.

In 1973 Argentineans vote for Juan Peron as the country's new president and as vice president his wife Isabel.

In 1996 Australian Bob Dent becomes the first person to die from a legal, voluntary lethal injection. He died at his home, with his wife at his side. He had suffered from prostate cancer for five years. His doctor had connected him to a computer-driven syringe. When Bob typed the go-ahead into the computer, he died peacefully.

1958 - Connie Francis is at the top of the British singles chart with 'Carolina Moon, Stupid Cupid'.
1964 - Herman's Hermits are No. 1 on the British charts with 'Into Something Good'.
1973 - Wizzard takes the top spot on the British charts with 'Angel Fingers'
1984 - John Waite with the song 'Missing You' takes the No. 1 spot on the American singles chart.
1991 - Bryan Adams with the song Everything I Do, I Do It For You' for the 20th week running is in the top spot on the British singles chart.

BORN ON THIS DAY
1949 - David Coverdale, singer with Whitesnake (1987 'Here I Go Again').
1953 - Richard Fairbrass, singer with the group Right Said Fred (1991 ‘I’m Too Sexy’).
1958 – Italian singer Andrea Bocceli.
1958 – Singer Joan Jett (1982 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll').
1957 - Nick Cave, Australian singer, also a member of The Bad Seeds (' Dig, Lazarus, Dig ').
1965 - Adam Cairns, singer in Therapy? (1993 'Screamager').