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Today in History—May 13: How the Table Knife Was Introduced
Jun 30, 2026 3:40 AM

  

Today in History—May 13: How the Table Knife Was Introduced1

  Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. (more) Today in History—May 13: How the Table Knife Was Introduced Written by Michele Metych Michele Metych is the lead editor for Today in History at Encyclopædia Britannica. Michele Metych Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated May 11, 2026 •History Armand-Jean du Plessis, cardinal et duc de Richelieu, or l’Éminence Rouge. He was Louis XIII’s chief minister, and if you think his name is a mouthful, just wait until you read what he did at the dinner table. Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Want to learn more about what happened on May 13, or any other day of the year? Sign up to receive the newsletter in your...

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Today in History—May 13: How the Table Knife Was Introduced2

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Today in History—May 13: How the Table Knife Was Introduced3

  

Today in History—May 13: How the Table Knife Was Introduced4

  

Today in History—May 13: How the Table Knife Was Introduced5

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