What Happened in December 1736

Historical Events

Earth Confirmed as Ellipsoid

Dec 3 Astronomer Anders Celsius takes measurements that confirm Newton's theory that the earth was an ellipsoid rather than the previously accepted sphere

Famous Deaths

  • Dec 1 Simon van Slingelandt, Dutch grand pensionary (1727-36), dies at 72
  • Dec 10 António Manoel de Vilhena, Portuguese ruler of Malta (b. 1663)
  • Dec 21 Alessandro Galilei, Italian architect (Cappella Corsini), dies at 45
  • Dec 26 Antonio Caldara, composer, dies