Steam engine patented

On July 2, 1698, the first steam engine was patented by Thomas Savery. However, the machine had only limited power. Thomas Newcomen in 1712 and James Watt in 1774 would later make the steam engine truly useful, revolutionizing travel.

Learn more about the Steam Engine from Michigan State University.

THIS DAY @ LAW

First black woman judge appointed in US

On July 22, 1939, New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia appointed Jane Matilda Bolin a judge of the city's Domestic Relations Court, making her the first African-American woman appointed to judicial office in the United States. She served on the court for 40 years. Learn more about Jane Matilda Bolin.

Japan finished paying reparations to the Philippines

On July 22, 1976, Japan paid the last of its World War II reparations to the Philippines.