October 08

1604 – The supernova now called "Kepler's nova" is first sighting in the constellation "Ophiuchus." Its observation inspired Johannes Kepler to later write "The New Star" in 1606.
1871 – Slash-and-burn land management, months of drought, and the passage of a strong cold front cause the Peshtigo Fire, the Great Chicago Fire, and the Great Michigan Fires to break out.
1958 – The first internal heart pacemaker is implanted by Dr. Åke Senning, at the Karolinska Institute of Stockholm. The device, a prototype, only worked for 3 hours.