Famous Birthdays
- Giovanni Pacini, Italian opera composer (Saffo), and educator, born in Catania, Sicily (d. 1867)
- Philipp Franz von Siebold, German physician (d. 1866)
Famous Deaths
- James Macpherson, Scottish writer and poet, dies at 59
1796 Highlights
About February 17, 1796
Day of the Week: Wednesday
How Long Ago? 227 years, 7 months and 15 days
Leap Year: Yes
Star Sign: Aquarius
