1484: Pope issues bull "Summis desiderantes" appointing Henry Krämer and Jacob Sprenger as inquisitors. They publish Malleus Maleficarum in 1486, documenting "evidence" of witchcraft and defining how to accuse, test, sentence and execute witches. Torture is prescribed. Initiates several centuries of persecution.
1784: Phillis Wheatley died (poet; last poem published in April 1776, addressed to George Washington)
1822: Elizabeth Cary Agassiz born (educator, scientific writer)
1856: Alice Brown born (writer)
1898: Grace Moore born (singer, actor)
Quote for Today
It is possible that blondes also prefer gentlemen.
— Mamie Van Doren
Browse the Calendar
This Day in Women's History Calendar © 1999-2006 Jone Johnson Lewis.
