On this day:
1997: The Chemical Weapons Convention becomes effective
Born on this day:
1803: James Brooke, British adventurer and 1st Rajah of Sarawak (1841-68), born in Bandel, near Calcutta
1848: Raja Ravi Varma, Indian painter, born in Kilimanoor, Travancore
Gone on this day:
1980: Alfred Hitchcock, English director, producer