For decades, there had been no uniform measurement for grains, in the United States or elsewhere. The bushel measurement varied widely according to the type of grain, for example. In an attempt to impose regularity the Liverpool Corn Exchange announced that it would deal in imported grains on a decimal system of one hundred pounds per unit, rather than the bushel. This "cental" experiment lasted in Liverpool only until the following November when the order was rescinded and the Anglo-Saxon bushel returned alongside the new unit. Further discussion, argument, and experimentation became entangled in the resistance to the decimal system in general in the United States and continues to this day. (By John Osborne)

Russell's Mechanical Steam Bakery on Commercial Street in Boston was completely destroyed in a fire that broke out at eleven o'clock in the evening. The recently completed and furnished six-story brick bakery extended the length of a city block and went back 120 feet from the street. Several injuries occurred when walls crumbled into neighboring homes but no deaths took place although police barely had time to push back a 500 person crowd that had gathered before the whole stone front of the building collapsed into the street. The losses estimated to the bakery alone were a massive $100,000. (By John Osborne)

William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia lost its main building, in a disastrous fire that broke out at around one in the morning, probably in the science laboratory. All students sleeping in their rooms were awakened in time to escape and no injuries were reported. As a crowd from the town gathered, the college records and the college seal were saved, along with some historical paintings and antique furniture, but all the college library books and all of its scientific apparatus were destroyed along with the building. (By John Osborne)

The volcanic eruption began on the island of Hawaii with a spectacular spray of lava from the north top of Mount Mauna Loa on January 23, 1859. There was no accompanying earthquake and no casualties were reported but the lava spurted to a height of 300 feet for several days. A week later, the heavy lava flow reached the Pacific Ocean, forty mile from where it erupted. (By John Osborne)