ON THIS DAY

1493:

Christopher Columbus sets sail from Cadiz, Spain, on his second voyage of discovery to the New World.

The first transfusion using human blood takes place at Guy’s Hospital in London.

The first transatlantic telephone cable is put into service, from Oban, Scotland to Clarenville, Newfoundland.

Scientists warn that continued use of aerosol sprays will cause ozone depletion.

South African black civil rights leader Steve Biko is buried in King William’s Town after dying in police custody.

The British Thrust SuperSonic car sets a new land speed record in Nevada of 714.1mph (1,149.2km/h).

Michael Douglas, US actor-producer (1944-); Colin Friels, Australian actor (1952-); Catherine Zeta-Jones, Welsh-born actress (1969-).

1818: 1956: 1974: 1977: 1997: Birthdays: