1 August in history.

1774

Priestley makes oxygen. Joseph Priestley heated a red powder with sunlight focused by a lens and collected a gas that made a candle burn brightly. He had found oxygen.

Wikipedia: Joseph Priestley

Photo: James Sharples / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

More from 1 August

1. 

   1892

   The first carillon concert

   Bell-player Jef Denyn gave a concert on the tower bells of St Rumbold's Cathedral in Mechelen, Belgium, starting a new kind of music.

   Wikipedia: Jef DenynWikipedia: Carillon

   Photo: User Jeantosti / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

2. 

   1911

   Harriet Quimby earns her wings

   Harriet Quimby became the first American woman to earn a pilot's licence.

   Wikipedia: Harriet Quimby

   Photo: Bain / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

3. 

   1965

   Dune is published

   Frank Herbert's novel about a desert planet, spice and a young hero came out. It became the best-selling science fiction novel of all time.

   Wikipedia: Dune (novel)Wikipedia: Frank Herbert

   Photo: Unknown photographer / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

4. 

   1971

   The Concert for Bangladesh

   George Harrison and friends played two benefit concerts in New York to help refugees, the first big rock charity concert.

   Wikipedia: The Concert for BangladeshWikipedia: George Harrison

   Photo: Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Moments chosen for discovery, creativity and courage. Each one links to a source where you can read more; photos are credited to their owners.