History of the Invention of the Chainsaw, Originally for Childbirth

KOMPAS.com – Function Chainsawwhich we generally know, is for cutting large logs or cutting other hard objects.

Tracing the history of its invention, the chainsaw was not created by a woodcutter, but by a surgeon from Scotland, namely John Aitken and James Jeffray in 1785.

Quoted from Popular Science, Aitken and Jeffray developed a chainsaw to help them do their job, specifically to cut human flesh and bone in the process of labour.

The chainsaw was originally invented as a “tool” to assist in childbirth, namely in an operation known as a symphysiotomy.

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Reported from IFL Science, Symphysiotomy is a very risky surgical procedure because it is performed by cutting the cartilage between the left and right pelvic bones to widen the pelvis with the aim of facilitating delivery.

As with all surgical procedures of the time, though very risky, speed was of the essence.

The quicker the time spent for surgery, the less likely the patient will experience shock or a fatal infection.

In the late 18th century, Aitken and Jeffray came up with a solution to get their job done more quickly and efficiently, namely the Aitkens flexible saw.

This cutting tool is specially designed to facilitate the removal of a woman’s pelvic bone and reduce labor time.

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Flexible chainsaws also cause less trauma to adjacent tissue than rigid saws and sharp blades.