This led to the mechanized chainsaw eventually getting adopted by the timber industry in 1905, allowing the instrument to be applied to trees, rather than its original use on women. However, shortly after this, the chainsaw was superseded by the Gigli twisted wire saw, which was most commonly used to cut bone. In light of this success, the chainsaw was eventually mechanized in the later 19th century to increase its ease of use by OB/GYNs on expectant mothers.
With the invention of the chainsaw, obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) working in the field at the time were bowled over by how much better chainsaws were to use for conducting symphysiotomies than the previous methods they were relying on. This meant that although the mother may not have looked down to see her doctor holding a version of the chainsaw we know today, she would instead see her doctor furiously cranking a chainsaw against her vulva. The design of the chainsaw was based on a watch chain with teeth that moved through the use of a hand-crank. In the late 18th century, 2 Scottish doctors, John Aitken and James Jeffray, developed a prototype of the chainsaw-familiar today in the timber industry-for symphysiotomy and the excision of diseased bone. This was possible to accomplish by hand with varying degrees of success. Yet, like all procedures of this era, it remained very risky to conduct because it required both speed and accuracy. During this procedure, the pubic symphysis, which is a joint above the vulva covered and connected by cartilage and reinforced by ligaments and tendons, is severed to widen the pelvis and make the childbirth process a bit more likely to occur. For this reason, C-sections were more generally a last resort following the exhaustion of all other options.įar more common during this period in history was the surgical procedure of the symphysiotomy.
In short, at this time in history, C-sections were incredibly dangerous, often resulting in the death of either or both the mother and child in the process. Kobalt KCS 120-07 40 Volt Cordless Chainsawįun Fact: Chainsaws Were Invented for Childbirth Best Heavy-Duty: Husqvarna 20-Inch 455 Rancher Gas Chainsaw Best Overall, Gas: Echo 18-Inch Gas 2-Stroke Cycle Chainsaw Best Overall, Electric: Makita UC4051A 16-Inch Electric Chain Saw Fun Fact: Chainsaws Were Invented for Childbirth.When babies came out feet-first or their bodies were otherwise trapped in the birth canal, doctors would have to widen the pelvic area by cutting into the cartilage and bone.Īitken and Jeffray found that a sharp knife just didn’t do the trick in a timely fashion, so, somewhat shockingly, they created a chainsaw as a more precise and humane option. But in the 18th century, prior to the development of anesthesia and other modern surgical tools, delivery could turn incredibly dangerous with little warning. And they developed their gnarly and dangerous device to help them do their jobs-cutting human bone and flesh.Įven under the best possible circumstances, giving birth is not what most would call a pleasant experience. But why were chainsaws invented, really? It might surprise you that the device’s origin lands about as far away from a lumber yard as you can get: The creators of the chainsaw were two Scottish surgeons named John Aitken and James Jeffray. When you picture a chainsaw, the typical uses that come to mind usually have to do with wood (and, you know, chopping it).
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