Events

• Abraham De Moivre states De Moivre's theorem connecting trigonometric functions and complex numbers
• Publication of the first book of Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier
• Fall of Persia's Safavid dynasty during a bloody revolt of the Afghani people.
• July 25 - Three Years War begins along Maine and Massachusetts border.
• December 20 - After the longest reign by a Chinese Emperor in history, the Kangxi Emperor dies and is succeeded by his son Yinzhen with the reign name Yongzheng.

Births

• February 19 - Tiphaigne de la Roche (Charles-François), french author (died 1774)
• September 22 - John Home, Scottish dramatist (died 1808)
• September 27 - Samuel Adams, American revolutionary leader (died 1803)
• Flora Macdonald, Scottish heroine (died 1790)
• Hyder Ali, Indian general, sultan of Mysore (died 1782)
• Joseph Warton, English poet and critic (died 1800)
• Christopher Smart, English poet (died 1771)

Deaths

• January 21 - Charles Paulet, 2nd Duke of Bolton, former supporter of William III of Orange
• March 11 - John Toland, philosopher (born 1670)
• June 16 - John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough (born 1650)
• September 27 - Grace; killed by a Dobhar-chu
• December 20 - Kangxi Emperor of China
• Johann Adam Reincken , German organist and composer (born 1623)
• Adriaen van der Werff , Dutch painter, engraver, and architect (born 1659)
• Johann Kuhnau, German composer (born 1660)