Events from 1785

Adrien-Marie Legendre begins work on number theory and elliptic integrals for physics

Parmentier promotes potatoes in France - pharmacist publishes treatise, hosts potato dinners, plants guard-protected fields as publicity stunt

Charter to the Nobility - Catherine the Great confirms noble privileges, exempts from service and corporal punishment

Lightning kills Illuminati courier Lanz - Bavarian authorities find documents revealing infiltration plans