On This Day: January 15th

A paper by David Brewster is read to the Royal Society, belatedly announcing his discovery of what we now call the biaxial class of doubly-refracting crystals. On the same day, Augustin-Jean Fresnel signs a "supplement" (submitted four days later) on reflection of polarized light.

War of 1812: American frigate USS President, commanded by Commodore Stephen Decatur, is captured by a squadron of four British frigates.

Superintendent of Finance Robert Morris addresses the U.S. Congress to recommend establishment of a national mint and decimal coinage.

American Revolutionary War: New Connecticut (present-day Vermont) declares its independence.

The British Museum opens to the public.

Truce of Yam-Zapolsky: Russia cedes Livonia to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Elizabeth I is crowned Queen of England and Ireland in Westminster Abbey, London.

King Francis I of France gives Jean-François Roberval a commission to settle the province of New France (Canada) and provide for the spread of the "Holy Catholic faith".

King Henry VIII issues letters patent incorporating the title Supreme Head of the Church of England into his royal title.

Otho seizes power in Rome, proclaiming himself Emperor of Rome, beginning a reign of only three months.