The Bizarre Origin of Chainsaws. Original purpose of chainsaw

The Bizarre Origin of Chainsaws

Sometimes the wildest circumstances can spur the most genius inventions. In the case of the chainsaw, it’s hard to believe that the everyday woodcutting tool was originally created for an entirely different purpose: childbirth.

A gruesome invention

Before procedures like the Cesarean section were commonplace, other methods were developed in case a baby couldn’t be birthed safely the typical way. When a baby became stuck in the birth canal because it was breech (facing the wrong way) or too large, doctors had to perform a terrifying procedure called a “symphysiotomy“.

A 1920s medical catalog shows a surgeon using an osteotome device. (Photo Credit: Redenz Vogeler and Martin Walter / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

The surgery was originally performed using a small knife and handsaw to remove bone and cartilage in the pelvis to make room for the baby. A symphysiotomy was incredibly painful – usually performed without anesthesia – as well as messy, dangerous, and time-consuming. To help speed up the process, two doctors came up with a new tool to improve the procedure.

Bernhard Heine’s Osteotome design. (Photo Credit: Sabine Salfer / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

The Scottish physicians behind the tool are John Aitken and James Jeffray, who invented the “flexible saw” in 1780. Jeffray claimed that he came up with the idea for a saw with a chain fitted with small teeth after looking at a jointed chain inside a watch. He believed the chainsaw would make the wounds smaller and would protect the nerves, muscles, and veins during the procedure.

The osteotome

In 1830, a German orthopedist named Bernhard Heine came up with a similar idea. His instrument – dubbed the osteotome – also used a chain with cutting teeth set at an angle. The saw was hand-cranked and the chain moved around a guiding blade turned with a sprocket wheel. The osteotome was used to cut bone for amputations and other surgeries.

An engraving depicting a steam-powered chainsaw, circa 1891. (Photo Credit: Universal History Archive / Universal Images Group / Getty Images)

It wasn’t until 50 years later that the first chain saw patents for cutting wood were placed. They took the same idea as the surgical chainsaws but at a much larger scale. Soon, powerful gas-powered and electric saws became available that championed the original medical design.

While chainsaws are a helpful tool for lumber workers, we’re quite thankful they no longer have a place in the operating room!

Elisabeth Edwards

Elisabeth Edwards is a public historian and history content writer. After completing her Master’s in Public History at Western University in Ontario, Canada Elisabeth has shared her passion for history as a researcher, interpreter, and volunteer at local heritage organizations.

She also helps make history fun and accessible with her podcast The Digital Dust Podcast, which covers topics on everything from art history to grad school.

In her spare time, you can find her camping, hiking, and exploring new places. Elisabeth is especially thrilled to share a love of history with readers who enjoy learning something new every day!

Why Were Chainsaws Invented Fact Check? Amazing Facts

When you think about chainsaws, what comes to your mind? Of course, the long trees, or you may imagine the loggers chopping the wood. But what if we tell you that the chainsaws were invented for childbirth, not felling trees? Though it may sound creepy, this is why chainsaws were invented!

Scottish doctors James Jeffray and John Aitken invented the first medical chainsaw. It was small and resembled the chainsaw you use today for cutting wood. The chainsaws were invented for childbirth and used in different medical procedures where this tool has helped cut bones. The chainsaw was considered a real success in the medical field as it made many procedures easier and was used till the 19 th century.

The medical use of a chainsaw is horrifying for many, but it is a fact, and the right answer to your question of why were chainsaws invented fact check! To find the real journey of your favorite tool, let’s read this article!

Why Were Chainsaws Invented Fact Check

So, you are here to know why chainsaws were invented; let’s look back at history to discover why this amazing tool was invented. Chainsaw was invented in 1780 by James Jeffray and John Aitken, and the tool assisted in various medical operations.

If you don’t know the chainsaw’s original purpose, let’s find it out here. The story starts in 1700 when saving the woman and her child after childbirth was nearly impossible. Births are safer, with a global rate of 211 maternal deaths per 100,000 live infants. But an alarming number of women and babies have succumbed in the past.

If you look back, when a mother in labor could not give birth naturally, a surgery known as a symphysiotomy was performed. During this surgery, the birth canal was widened to ease childbirth.

Initially, this procedure was done with a knife, making it incredibly unpleasant and dirty. Later, in 1780, John Aitken and James Jeffrey, two Scottish physicians, invented an instrument for that specific purpose. Hopefully, you will have learned what the first chainsaw was invented for and who invented the first chainsaw.

Both doctors suggested using a rotating blade instead of a sharp knife, which has been used for many years. As a consequence of this suggestion, the world gets the very first chainsaw. It is tricky for many doctors to handle this newly invented tool. Also, they find it challenging to use it. Therefore, many of the doctors did not use this tool. Additionally, it has a great impact on the mothers as well.

Invention of Osteotome

After so many years, Bernhard Heine, a young boy from a medical family, introduced a new invention. The boy was studying orthopedics under his uncle Johann Heine’s supervision.

Bernhard Heine has also studied medicine and orthopedic surgery, and with his expertise in both fields, the young boy introduced the bone saw, also known as the osteotome.

The bone was used to cut through the bone. The hand-operated saw had a sharp blade on the chain, and a metal surface the size of a knife was wrapped around it. The newly invented tool had a crank handle for the operation. For the invention of this incredible tool, Bernhard Heine also won an award in France and another award in Russia for the practical demonstration of the osteotome.

Later, Bernhard Heine made a few changes to make it safe for different surgical procedures. For instance, to make it safe for skull surgery. The man added guards at the edges of the chain. One can easily use it for surgery without damaging the brain’s tissues.

The tool underwent various changes over the years and improved with every day. Consequently, you now get a powerful, sharp, and efficient chainsaw.

So, it was what the chainsaw was originally used for. But, with time, the changes this tool has gone through made it possible to get you the best buddy for your garden. Therefore, it would not be wrong to say that the ancestor of the modern-day chainsaw has a different structure and purpose.

Chainsaw And Childbirth

If, like many other people, you are curious to know what a chainsaw was originally used for; the facts may surprise you. The very first chainsaw invented was similar to the present-day chainsaws but was smaller in size. But do you know how chainsaws were used after their invention? The chainsaw was used to enlarge the pelvis during childbirth.

The patients who went through the procedure described it as “butchering.” Unfortunately, this technique, which made many women unable to walk after giving birth and had other long-lasting effects, was brutalizing.

What Were The Issues Which Made The Intervention Of Chainsaws Necessary During Labor?

Here are the reasons why the chainsaw gets invented and used:

• When the baby is coming out with feet first, which you may also know as the Breech Birth
• There are several reasons the baby’s head may not pass through the birth canal; it was made possible with a chainsaw.
• Shoulders stuck are risky for both the mother and the child, so doctors used the chainsaw to make it easier for both.

The original surgery method involved no anesthetic and the possibility of shattering bones. Therefore, it was terrifying. Later on, anesthesia made the operation less painful after it was invented. Thankfully, the chainsaw of birthing has been replaced by the cesarean section. A very modest and less invasive abdominal incision is used to extract the baby rather than attempting to enlarge the pelvis.

What Was Chainsaw Originally Used For?

Don’t you know what chainsaws are made for? It originally served as a tool to aid in a symphysiotomy surgery during birthing. The pelvis was cut to widen the birth canal to facilitate a natural birth. The surgery had long-lasting negative health effects and was risky and challenging.

Consequently, it lost popularity after a few years. Numerous innovative and cautious procedures were developed and used during birthing. But Heine’s bone saw was surpassed in surgery and medical amputation.

Samuel J. Beans, in 1907 found that a chainsaw could be useful for clearing land, chopping fuel, and trimming hedges. With that, the chainsaw went in a new direction, made amazing strides, and now there is a sizable market with lots of competition.

Evolution Of Chainsaw Over The Years

For now, you have learned what the original use of a chainsaw is; now, let’s find out how chainsaws have evolved over the years. Complications with labor in the 18th century had extremely few treatment options. Most procedures use hands or scissors to cut the abdomen. Both failed to act quickly to save the baby’s life or the mother from any discomfort. The likelihood of saving even one of them was low, much less both.

Doctors John Aitken and James Jeffrey created a chainsaw that resembles a knife and rotates as it slices through bone to address this issue. Instead of cutting the abdomen, the pelvis was to be opened up to allow room for normal delivery by widening the birth canal.

The chainsaw was first used in childbirth. Later on, a different chainsaw model was created in 1830 by a German orthopaedist, Bernhard Heine, to be employed in surgery. From the Greek words osteon (bone) and Tomi (cut), which translate to “bone cutter,” he termed it an osteotome.

Lately, people have realized that chainsaws could be used outside of medicine. So, towards the beginning of the 20th century, Samuel J. Bens of San Francisco utilize it to cut down enormous redwoods. After that, the man received the first patent for an electric chainsaw, also known as the “endless chainsaw,” in 1905. Andreas STIHL received a patent for the first electric chainsaw he manufactured and sold in 1926.

Many of the first models were so big that two men had to operate them. Following World War II, chainsaws significantly improved due to aluminum and lighter engine construction advancements. Modern chainsaws are available in many sizes, from tiny electric chainsaws suited for indoor and outdoor use to enormous “lumberjack” saws!

Why Did They stop Using Chainsaw For Medical Procedures (Childbirth)?

Due to the development of medicine and technology, chainsaws were mostly used for amputations. Though the chainsaw had been improved throughout the 1700s, the medical use of a chainsaw during childbirth persisted in the West into the late 1800s and early 1900s. Also, new methods were adopted for childbirth.

Remember that the chainsaw and the Gigli saw were used to amputate limbs, dead flesh, and bones. Their original intent was also to assist mothers who had difficulty giving birth. It is assumed that Gigli saw replaced the first medical chainsaws. Also, it is rumored that this saw is still occasionally utilized in some regions today when a cesarean is not feasible. But, the chainsaw is not more useful in the medical field.

How Was The First Wood-Cutting Chainsaw?

The first chainsaw to cut wood instead of flesh and bones was created by Andreas STIHL, the founder of the STIHL Company. The first invented chainsaw was electric-powered, which might be surprising for many people.

The chainsaw was brought to the market back in 1926 for the first time. Two men were required to handle this giant tool as the chainsaw weighs 105 lbs. The first gas-operated chainsaw came into the market in 1929 and weighed 101 lbs.

Why Were Chainsaws Invented Fact Check: Frequently Asked Questions

The following are the few frequently asked questions by chainsaw users who are curious about chainsaw invention. Let’s have a look at them.

What Did The Original Chainsaw Look Like?

It had tiny teeth and a metal frame similar to modern chainsaws, making it look like a kitchen knife. It had a crank handle to turn. The earliest chainsaw resembled a manual egg beater but had chains attached instead of whisks and was approximately the same size as a modern kitchen knife.

Who Created The Original Chainsaw For Cutting Down Trees?

The first chainsaw for cutting wood was patented in 1907 by Samuel J. Beans. James Shand continued his work in 1918, and Andreas STIHL, the owner of the STIHL firm, introduced the first electric chainsaw in 1926.

Who Invented The Portable Chainsaw?

Charles Wolf 1920 invented the first chainsaws, which were pretty usable and portable. But, before that, Harvey Brown invented a chainsaw, but that tool was slow, heavy, and delicate.

What Was The Chainsaws Original Name?

Osteotome was the first name used for a chainsaw. Bernhard Heine created it for medical use. The tool was used for cutting bones and various other medical applications.

Chainsaw vs Katana: Who Is Gonna Win??

Which Chainsaw Brand Is The Oldest?

The oldest chainsaw dated back to 1926 and was made by the STIHL Chainsaw Company. So, STIHL is the oldest and the leading chainsaw manufacturer in the US.

Who Invented The Chainsaw?

The chainsaw was developed in the 1780s by two Scottish physicians, John Aitken and James Jeffrey. The tool was like a knife and was used in many medical procedures, including childbirth.

Why Do Chainsaws Exist?

The chainsaws are used in various activities, including limbing, pruning, and cutting trees and firewood. The incredible combination of chainsaw bar and chain and powerful engines make these machines capable of falling into big trees in seconds.

Conclusion: Why Were Chainsaws Invented Fact Check

So, why were chainsaws invented fact check is all you need to know for now. It may sound scary, but it’s a fact that the chainsaw was invented first to aid in difficult childbirths. The small-sized tool similar to the one you now use for cutting firewood was once used in various medical procedures and cutting bones. Also, once these tools were considered the success of the inventors, they made many difficult surgical procedures easier.

Please think of the horrifying loud sound and sharp blade a chainsaw has and then relate it to the medical procedure. Isn’t it terrifying to imagine? Yes, it is; you might have goosebumps. But, it is what once these incredible tools were used for.

Why Were Chainsaws Invented? From childbirth to Internet memes, the story that will shock you

For most, a chainsaw is just a tool used to cut trees and branches. The term also makes people think of lumberjacks at work chopping wood.

It has even been associated with a popular horror movie series, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The franchise, which started in 1974, saw the release of nine movies.

The most recent one debuted in February 2022. The series amassed over 252 million at the box office worldwide.

However, chainsaws are used for different things. For example, they are very useful when cutting ice.

This is undoubtedly true in countries like Finland, where winter sports like ice sculpting and winter swimming are popular.

In addition to the technical side, the chainsaw has a very compelling origin story. Interestingly, this history has a link to surgery and even childbirth.

So, why were chainsaws invented? This question has been going around social media for a while. The answer is always shocking and surprising for those who do not know.

The search for the truth took a life on its own. Memes and jokes about chainsaws are now just a big part of the whole thing. over, TikTok brought things to a different level, and a new generation joined in the conversation.

It has become a whole part of the Internet lexicon. To get the complete picture, it is essential to understand why chainsaws were invented for childbirth.

After that, the jokes and memes will make more sense.

Why were chainsaws invented for childbirth?

The direct link between chainsaws and childbirth is what got the Internet interested in this topic in the first place. However, the connection is not as clear-cut as some on social media make it to be.

To make things simple, the first chainsaw was invented for childbirth. However, the so-called “flexible saw” had very little in common with the modern chainsaw. It was just a link chain between two wooden handles.

First of all, it was way smaller in size. Secondly, it had to be operated manually. Scientists at the time believed this was a good thing when compared to what they had to use before for surgery, a knife.

Two doctors, John Aitken and James Jeffrey came up with the prototype in the 18th century. Their goal was to make symphysiotomy and bone excision less painful.

Symphysiotomy is a procedure that involves dividing cartilage from the symphysis pubis. In clear, it meant widening the pelvis to facilitate childbirth when there was a mechanical issue.

It is no longer common practice (in most places) because the science behind childbirth has become more evolved. Cesarean section also became safer.

In areas where C-sections cannot be carried out because of a lack of equipment, a symphysiotomy is still an option.

For close to one century, the original chainsaw was widely used in surgery. However, its popularity declined with the arrival of the Gigli twisted-wire saw in 1894.

This new tool brought a higher degree of precision to the table. over, manufacturing cost was also lower.

The evolution of the chainsaw: from childbirth and surgery to wood cutting

German orthopedist Bernhard Heine developed the osteotome in 1830. It is way closer to the modern chainsaw. It was used to cut bones.

The first portable chainsaw was patented in 1918. Canadian James Shand is the one behind this invention. German manufacturer STIHL invented the first electric chainsaw in 1926.

Over the years, they have become even more sophisticated. Cordless chainsaws are now the way to go. Smaller versions are popular with those gardening at home.

Dr. Mark Skippen, from Swansea University, has spent a lot of time researching the origin of chainsaws. He explained:

“The chainsaw is a good example of technological innovations that end up being used for different purposes to their original intention.”

Skippen continued: “Based on the design of a watch chain, the original chainsaw devised in Scotland has since led to tools used in obstetrics, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and now tree surgery worldwide.”

His assessment is correct. The chainsaw has even been able to make a transition to the cyber world thanks to social media.

Why were chainsaws invented Joke?

The “why were chainsaws invented” joke is everywhere on social media. However, TikTok is where the magic really happens in this case.

TikTok user hellomynamesjon, who has a huge following on the social networking platform, uploaded a video where he said that the chainsaw was invented for childbirth.

His video went viral, and many found the idea really scary. Therefore, the root of the joke on and other such sites is that people wished they had never put the phrase “why were chainsaws invented” on Google.

The concept behind the joke is to encourage others to never look for that information. In a way, the true story behind the chainsaw is hard to believe.

This feeling of disbelief leads to some hilarious memes.

Why were chainsaws invented Meme?

The “why were chainsaws invented?” meme that went viral is intriguing at first. Some might even find it strange a bit.

However, once the person gets over this initial hurdle, that is when things start to get really interesting.

Those, who fall for the meme, go on to encourage others to go ahead and do a Google search to get the answer to the question. The different reactions are where the humor lies.

Even the author of Hood Feminism, Mikki Kendall could not resist joining in the fun. She wrote:

“I have just Googled to see why chainsaws were invented I am going to bed now.”

James Moran, who is a British screenwriter known for his work on Doctor Who and Torchwood, also did his part to advance the meme. Moran chimed in:

“I did this and am horrified, so now you have to suffer: Google, why chainsaws were invented? Go on. Make sure you’re sitting down.”

A popular meme on tries to combine the origin of chainsaws with the fictional character Leatherface from the movie franchise.

The meme asks the viewer to wonder how it would feel to have Leatherface rushing into the delivery room.

The accompanying photo shows the character looking determined with his chainsaw in hand.

A second meme shows a woman trying to wash her eyes with a water cord after Googling “why were chainsaws invented?”

The memes around this theme are not slowing down.

Conclusion

The term “why were chainsaws invented?” has been a trending topic on social media in the past years. In 2020, it even made the year-end list of top trending searches released by Google.

It continues to attract new people every day because the information is not something that one could have expected. over, the Internet has a penchant for highlighting interesting facts that are not widely known.

In this specific case, it just led to a scary and disturbing finding for some. However, some of these trends really take the user to very interesting places.

For example, a similar meme went viral in recent months. It put the spotlight on another little-known fact about Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.

It revealed that John Harvey Kellogg invented the popular cereal in 1894 as a way to control sexual impulses and masturbation.

In a world that is facing a lot of serious challenges, no one can blame those who can find notes of levity in the origins of chainsaws and Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.

Why Were Chainsaws Invented?

The handheld machine we know is big and dangerous. It’s the lumberjack’s tool to cut down trees and it’s a woodworking essential. But other than that, the chainsaw is probably one of the most versatile machines ever invented. It can be used for wood, bricks, concrete, and most surprisingly, as a surgical tool! The chainsaw has evolved ever since with several different types out on the market. Why were chainsaws invented? Who uses it? Is it more than an icon of the horror genre? Continue reading to find out more!

The Chainsaw’s Medical Origins

This probably answers the question, “why were chainsaws invented?” Surprisingly, the machine began in the surgical field. The first chainsaw was actually used for childbirth.

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Before a safe cesarean procedure became common, there was symphysiotomy. The Guardian described the medical procedure as “a dangerous alternative” to remove the child from the womb. This type of operation has been around since 1597, but it wasn’t until the 18th century when two Scottish doctors John Aitken and James Jeffray created a small “flexible saw” that consisted of a “fine serrated link chain held between two wooden handles.”

A similar instrument was made in 1830 developed by the German orthopaedist Bernhard Heine called osteotome. It “had links of a chain carrying small cutting teeth” used to cut the bone.

The Timeline of How it Became the Lumberjack’s Best Friend

It’s a little hard to believe that Bernhard Heine’s osteotome was the precursor for the modern chainsaw and it took inventors five decades to create the ideal one for wood-chucking.

On January 17, 1905, the patent for an “endless chainsaw” was granted to Samuel J. Bens. After more than a decade, Canadian millwright James Shand improved the design by making it portable. In 1933, the German company Festo further developed the power tool.

Not long after, Pioneer Saws Ltd of IEL (Industrial Engineering Ltd.) became North America’s chainsaw manufacturer. After World War Two, the chainsaw became lighter and made it possible for one person to carry it around.

Parts of a Chainsaw

“The whole is a sum of its parts,” goes well with chainsaws. Sure, one looks like a two-part machine, but six parts with almost 20 sub-parts actually make it up. Each one is just as important as the other. Instead of answering “why were chainsaws invented?”, let’s ask “what makes a chainsaw work?”

Engine

This is the most essential part of a chainsaw. There are two types of chainsaw engines: the traditional gasoline internal combustion engine that runs on petrol and the electric motor that runs on batteries. Either works well for wood-cutting.

Drive Mechanism

Of course, the engine cannot run without a drive mechanism. The centrifugal clutch (which expands with increasing speed) and the sprocket (which is changeable, depending on what’s needed) are the two most important parts.

Guide Bar

The guide bar is “an elongated bar with a round end of wear-resistant alloy steel typically 40 to 90 cm (16 to 36 in) in length.” There are three different types, namely the laminated bar, the solid bar, and the safety bar. Four smaller parts make it up: the gauge, the oil holes, grease holes at the bar nose, and the guide slot.

Cutting Chain

It’s obviously not a chainsaw without, well, a chain. It’s like a bicycle chain with additional small, sharp cutting teeth. There are two types of chains: full complement (one tooth for every two links) and full skip (one tooth for every three links).

Tensioning Mechanism

The tensioner acts like a glue that “binds” the guider bar and the cutting chain together. According to TimberGadgets.com, the tensioner is “typically located on the opposite side of the chainsaw” and it “controls the amount of tension or slack in the chain.”

Safety Features

Such dangerous machinery needs to be safe for use, of course. Some of the features added are guard links, a chain brake, a safety throttle, an anti-vibration system, and of course, the on/off switch.