On this day

8 November in history.

5 moments from 1602 to 1971: discovery, creativity and courage, each with a source to read more.

5 moments

Portrait of Wilhelm Röntgen.

1895

Wilhelm Röntgen discovers X-rays. During his experiments with electricity, Wilhelm Röntgen came across a new kind of ray: the X-ray.

Wikipedia: Wilhelm Röntgen

Photo: Erwin Hanfstaengl / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

More from 8 November

  1. The Bodleian Library in Oxford.

    1602

    Oxford's Bodleian Library opens

    The University of Oxford opened the Bodleian Library to the public.

    Wikipedia: Bodleian LibraryWikipedia: University of Oxford

    Photo: Honcques Laus / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

  2. A small painted portrait of Mary Lyon.

    1837

    Mary Lyon founds a school for women

    Mary Lyon started Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, the school that grew into Mount Holyoke College.

    Wikipedia: Mary LyonWikipedia: Mount Holyoke College

    Photo: Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

  3. 1920

    Rupert Bear first appears

    Rupert Bear, drawn by Mary Tourtel, appeared in print for the very first time.

    Wikipedia: Rupert BearWikipedia: Mary Tourtel

  4. The four members of Led Zeppelin in a 1971 publicity photo.

    1971

    Led Zeppelin releases its fourth album

    Led Zeppelin put out its fourth album, which went on to sell more copies than almost any other album in the world.

    Wikipedia: Led ZeppelinWikipedia: Led Zeppelin IVWikipedia: List of best-selling albums

    Photo: Atlantic Records / 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.