Lewis Thomas, US physician and biologist, dies 

A chemical leakage at a pesticide factory in Bhopal, India caused the deaths of over 2,500 people and blinded many thousands 

At Groote Schurr Hospital, Cape Town, Dr Christiaan Barnard carried out the world's first heart transplant 

John Backus inventor (FORTRAN computer language), born 

Neon lighting was displayed for the first time at the Paris Motor Show 

Neon lights, 1st publically seen (Paris Auto Show) 

Edward Elgars 1st Symphony in A, premieres 

Panglima Polim surrenders to Capt Colijn at Atjeh 

Milwaukee is dropped from the American League and replaced by St Louis Browns