1754: Gov. John Reynolds, ``...and upon nomination of the Lord's Commissioners, Captain John Reynolds, of the Royal Navy, was, on the 6th of August, 1754, appointed governor.'' — Stacy in his History. Source: Stacy-H

1881: penicillin, Sir Alexander Fleming, Scottish bacteriologist and discoverer of penicillin (greatly helped by Aussie Howard Florey[-Ian's comment!]), born at Loudon, in Ayrshire. Published by W & R Chambers Ltd, Edinburgh Scotland. Source: Chambers Dates (1983) ISBN 0 550 11827 6

1890: electric chair, The electric chair was used for the first time in America, at Auburn Prison, New York - the victim was murderer William Kemmler. Published by W & R Chambers Ltd, Edinburgh Scotland. Source: Chambers Dates (1983) ISBN 0 550 11827 6

1926: channel woman, Gertrude Ederle of America became the first woman to swim the English Channel, crossing from Cap Gris Nez to Deal in 14.5 hours. Published by W & R Chambers Ltd, Edinburgh Scotland. Source: Chambers Dates (1983) ISBN 0 550 11827 6

1964: Tonkin Gulf Resolution, Source: ToW