French astronomer Pierre Janssen first recorded evidence of helium, a then-unknown element.
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President Woodrow Wilson issued a Proclamation of Neutrality.
A mega blackout happened on Java and Bali islands in Indonesia, affecting around 100 million people.
The United States Exploring Expedition set sail.
Major Gordon Laing became the first non-Muslim to enter Timbuktu.
A funeral was held in Iceland for the loss of the Okjökull glacier.
