10 Nov 1697: England - Birth of William Hogarth (died 1764), bitter satirical artist of great genius, chronicling social evils of the times
3
1698
1698: England - Thomas Savery patented an engine which produced a vacuum by condensing steam. It was employed for raising water from a mine and supplying water to several country houses.
23 May 1699: America - John Bartram was born. A naturalist and explorer, considered 'father of American botany'; established a world renowned botanical garden in Philadelphia in 1728.
1702: England - England tries to prevent grandson of Louis of France from taking Spanish throne; John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, instrumental in uniting England, Holland, Austria and Germany against France (period to 1713)