See also: 1778 in science, other events of 1779, 1780 in science and the list of years in science.
Astronomy May 5 - The spiral galaxy M61 was discovered in the constellation Virgo by Barnabus Oriani Technology The Iron Bridge was completed across the Severn river in Shropshire; the first all cast-iron bridge ever constructed Bry Higgins issued a patent for hydraulic cement (stucco) for use as an exterior plaster The spinning mule was invented by Samuel Crompton Births January 5 - General Zebulon Pike, explorer (died 1813) August 7 - Jöns Jacob Berzelius, chemist (died 1848) August 7 - Louis de Freycinet, explored coastal regions of Western Australia (died 1842) Deaths February 14 - James Cook, explorer (born 1728) November 16 - Pehr Kalm, botanist (born 1716)