On This Day: December 27th

Ether anesthetic is used for childbirth for the first time by Dr. Crawford Long in Jefferson, Georgia.

The worst ever avalanche in England occurs at Lewes, Sussex, killing eight people.

Charles Darwin embarks on his journey aboard HMS Beagle, during which he will begin to formulate his theory of evolution.

War of 1812: The destruction of the schooner USS Carolina brings to an end Commodore Daniel Patterson's makeshift fleet, which fought a series of delaying actions that contributed to Andrew Jackson's victory at the Battle of New Orleans.

Portugal and England sign the Methuen Treaty which allows Portugal to export wines to England on favorable trade terms.

The Flushing Remonstrance articulates for the first time in North American history that freedom of religion is a fundamental right.

Second Northern War/the Deluge: Monks at the Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa are successful in fending off a month-long siege.

The Zwickau prophets arrive in Wittenberg, disturbing the peace and preaching the Apocalypse.

The Spanish Crown issues the Laws of Burgos, governing the conduct of settlers with regard to native Indians in the New World.

The second Hagia Sophia in Constantinople is consecrated.