When I think of a chainsaw, I usually imagine a lumberjack cutting wood. Sometimes I also remember scenes from scary movies where a villain uses it to frighten people. But the real reason chainsaws were invented is very different. Medics know this history well, and it is quite surprising.
Chainsaws were first made for a purpose that has nothing to do with wood or horror movies. When you look into this topic, you will find some surprising facts about how chainsaws started and the different types that exist today.
The Invention of the Modern Chainsaw Prototype
In the 19th century in England, people still used basic saws to cut wood. But the real change came in 1830 when Bernhard Heine, a German orthopaedist, created a new device. He named it an osteotome. The word comes from Greek terms that mean bone and cutter, so it clearly means bone cutter.
At that time, people also used small chainsaws in medical procedures. Later, in the early 20th century, stronger chainsaws started to appear. Samuel J. Bens was the first person to get a patent for a chainsaw. He called it the endless chainsaw.
In 1926, Andreas Stihl designed the first electric chainsaw. He owned the production line and also held the patent. The machine was heavy and very strong. It became popular in many countries quite fast.
In 1973, Husqvarna made a major improvement in chainsaw safety. The company still works on new ideas and makes efficient chainsaws even today.
Were chainsaws used during childbirth?
In the 18th century, two Scottish doctors named John Aitken and James Jeffray created the first chainsaw designs for medical use. These early chainsaws were used in a procedure called symphysiotomy. They looked nothing like the chainsaws we see today.
John Aitken worked as a surgeon at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. He was known for his medical lectures. He also invented many surgical methods that were common in his time.
Dr. Jeffray studied at Glasgow University and Edinburgh University. He worked closely with Aitken. He had deep knowledge in Anatomy and Botany. He gained this knowledge by dissecting many bodies to understand how the human body works.
When I read about their work, I realised that the original purpose of the chainsaw was completely different from what we imagine now.
Symphysiotomy: Definition, Procedure, and History
I understood why early doctors looked for tools like the chainsaw. Symphysiotomy is a surgical process. In this procedure, the doctor cuts the pubic symphysis cartilage to widen the pelvis. This helps when a baby gets stuck inside the mother. The first chainsaws were actually used for this surgery.
Before the eighteenth century, surgeons used simple knives during childbirth. It was very painful without anaesthesia. It was also slow and risky.
After the chainsaw was invented, doctors used it often for symphysiotomy. They operated it by hand during surgery. But once modern medical methods came in, the use of chainsaws in childbirth slowly stopped.
Today, I feel grateful for medical progress. Childbirth is much safer now. We no longer need chainsaws for such procedures, and that is a huge relief.
Content writer, Passionate wordsmith, Ready to Craft Engaging Stories
