Sometime between November 2 and November 11 (so traditionally the midpoint at November 6) a number of individuals recorded a “new star” in the constellation of Cassiopeia. This constellation is within 30° of the North Pole star, so that European sixteenth century observers, the new object was visible through the long November night. By November… Continue reading November 6: SN 1572
Month: November 2023
November 5: Guy Fawkes
On November 5, 1605, by act of Parliament, the populace of London was encouraged to light bonfires and give thanks for the escape of King James I from an assasination attempt. A band of assassins, led by the Catholic Guy Fawkes, plotted to kill the Protestant king by blowing up Parliament while he attended a… Continue reading November 5: Guy Fawkes
November 4: Chloroform
In 1847, a London obstetrician named James Simpson invited a few friends over for an experiment. He was interested in finding an anesthetic that could be used during difficult childbirth situations, especially those involving surgery. He had managed to obtain some chloroform from a local pharmacist. Sitting together in his dining room on the evening… Continue reading November 4: Chloroform