The Fascinating History Behind the Invention of Chainsaws

When we think of a chainsaw, we might picture a lumberjack cutting wood. Or, we might recall scary movie scenes where a villain uses it to harm people. But did you know the real reason chainsaws were invented? They were not made for these uses. Medics know the history of chainsaws and it’s quite surprising.

Chainsaws were made for a very different use than what we see now. Exploring this topic, you’ll find amazing details about chainsaws and their many types.

In the 19th century in England, people used traditional saws to cut and shape wood. But the modern chainsaw came about in 1830. It was invented by Bernhard Heine, a German orthopaedist. He called the device osteotome. This name comes from Greek words for bone and cutter, meaning “bone cutter.”

At the same time, people used smaller chainsaws for medical reasons. Then, in the early 20th century, more powerful chainsaws were made. The first patent for the chainsaw, called the “endless chain saw,” was obtained by Samuel J. Bens.

In 1926, Andreas Stihl designed the first electric chainsaw. He owned the production line and the patent. The chainsaw was heavy and sturdy. It gained popularity in other countries quickly.

In 1973, Husqvarna made a big step forward by creating safer chainsaws. The company still innovates and makes efficient chainsaws today.

The History of Chainsaws in Childbirth

In the 18th century, Scottish doctors John Aitken and James Jeffray created the first chainsaw designs for medical use. These early chainsaws, used in symphysiotomy procedures, were different from today’s models.

John Aitken was a well-known surgeon at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. He was famous for his medical lectures and for inventing many surgeries that were widely used in his era.

Dr. Jeffray, who studied at Glasgow University and Edinburgh University, was Aitken’s partner. He had a deep knowledge of Anatomy and Botany, gained from dissecting numerous bodies to understand human anatomy better.

Symphysiotomy is a surgical process. In this, the surgeon cuts the pubic symphysis cartilage to widen the pelvis. This helps in delivering a baby stuck inside the mother. The chainsaw was first used for this.

Before the eighteenth century, surgeons used knives for childbirth. It was painful and risky without anaesthesia and took a lot of time.

After inventing the chainsaw, surgeons used it a lot for symphysiotomy. They operated it manually during surgery. But as modern methods came up, the use of chainsaws in childbirth went down.

Now, we are grateful for the advanced medical inventions. They have made childbirth safer and we no longer need chainsaws for it.