May 25 Explorer Captain Cook sets sail on his first voyage

Feb 11 Samuel Adams letter, circulates around American colonies, opposing Townshend Act taxes

Feb 20 First American chartered fire insurance company receives charter (Pennsylvania)

Feb 15 First mustard manufactured in America advertised, Philadelphia

Apr 05 1st US Chamber of Commerce forms (New York NY)

Apr 11 Fire destroys one-third of the town of Montreal

Jun 21 The first US bachelor of medicine degree (Dr John Archer)

Dec 22 The birth of John Crome, English landscape painter

Dec 06 First edition of "Encyclopedia Brittanica" published (Scotland)

Jul 07 Firm of Johann Buddenbrook founded, in Thomas Mann's novel