1676
Leeuwenhoek Describes First "Animalcules" to Royal Society
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek wrote a letter to the Royal Society describing "animalcules" – the first known description of protozoa (pictured).
On This Day in History
October 9
Every Day Has a Story. Every Story Has a Lesson.
More from October 9
1740
Batavia Massacre: 10,000 Chinese Indonesians Killed
European soldiers and Javanese collaborators started massacring Chinese Indonesians in the port city of Batavia, modern-day Jakarta: at least 10,000 people were killed.
1793
Lyon Revolt Ends: City Surrenders to Convention
French Revolution: After a month-long siege, the leaders of Lyon surrendered, ending their revolt against the National Convention.
1874
Universal Postal Union Established by Treaty
The Universal Postal Union, then known as the General Postal Union, was established with the signing of the Treaty of Bern to unify disparate postal services and regulations so that international mail could be exchanged easily.
1913
SS Volturno Sinks, 136 Die in Fire
Carrying a cargo hold full of highly flammable chemicals, the ocean liner SS Volturno caught fire in the north Atlantic and sank, resulting in 136 deaths.
1921
Mortimer War Memorial Dedicated to Servicemen
The Mortimer War Memorial (pictured), designed by Herbert Maryon in memory of local servicemen who died in the First World War, was dedicated.
1952
Footman Kills Two at Knowsley Hall
A footman shot and killed two colleagues and wounded the lady of the house at Knowsley Hall, England.
1986
Phantom of the Opera Opens in London
The Phantom of the Opera, a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and currently the longest-running Broadway show in history, opened in London's West End.