Is it true that the first chainsaws were invented for childbirth and have you been hearing it a lot lately as I have?
Firstly, what comes to your mind when you think about why was chainsaw invented? I bet you think about Texas Chainsaw Massacre or the movie Leatherface.
It is the blood-curdling, horrifying device with the teeth sharp enough to cut through things like trees making the dreadful noise, giving you the killing headache afterward!
However, the question is whether you know the reason exactly why were chainsaws invented? Yes, you would think that it originally got invented for tree felling, bucking, cutting firebreaks, and so on. However, that is not the case.
Why don’t I tell you the reason behind the invention of chainsaws and why suddenly everyone is so interested in it!
Chainsaw Viral TikTok Video
As you are aware, people get most trends and popular topics. Similarly, chainsaws came into the popular topic trend through TikTok. You’re probably here after watching the viral chainsaw video, which probably got you researching!
“Hellomynamesjon” made a video that not only went viral but got everyone researching and interested.
In the video, the TikTok user shared a video in which it said that the reason the chainsaw got invented was to assist with childbirth. Yes, for childbirth! As the video got viral, many people were horrified and also interested to find out how true this statement is.
Have you seen that video? Do you wish to know whether this statement is true or not? Let me explain to you.
Why Chainsaw Got Invented?
Are you ready to find out whether that video is true or not? The statement regarding the chainsaw got created during childbirth is absolutely true!
Chainsaws originally got created to assist with childbirth.
You have to remember there was a time when C-section (cesarean) operation did not exist, and they had to find ways to help when there was a breach (when a baby comes out feet first) or if the baby would get stuck in the pelvis as it would be too large.
When something like this would happen, they would use a knife or saw to remove the bone or cartridge to make space for the baby. And remember all without anesthesia in the middle of birth. Yes, without anesthesia. Imagine how long and painful this whole process would have been, for the women during birth, mostly without anesthesia.
So, they had to invent something new, and so, the chainsaw got invented.
Let me explain a bit more as to who came up with such a “brilliant” idea and how it finally came to an end.
Chainsaw Invention
In 1780, two doctors in Scotland, James Jeffray and John Aitken made the terrifying-looking chainsaw to make it easy and faster to remove bones and pelvic bone.
John Aitken went to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh to become a surgeon. He also gave medical lectures and demonstrations and made some practical improvements within the surgery field.
James Jeffray also studies at Glasgow University and then Edinburgh University. Both were popular for dissecting people who would get executed for murder.
The main reason for chainsaw got invented was actually for childbirth, as I said before. However, after some time, both doctors found that they could use it in many medical procedures like:
- Removing a diseased bone
- Infected flesh cutting
- Limps amputating
Design of First Invented Chainsaw
The first chainsaw invented did not have an electrical motor on it, and it was much more compact than the ones we see these days.
The medical chainsaw got created in a much more compact style with a shape like a knife with a chain on it, as you can see in the picture below.
Doctors would have to power it by hand. It had small trimming teeth type on the knife, which would cut through cartilage and ligaments of mothers to get the baby out easily.
I really don’t know which looks terrifying, the first one or the modern-day chainsaws!
Issues Chainsaws Caused during Childbirth
So, I have cleared out how chainsaws got designed for childbirth. However, it did come with a lot of problems that would get caused when a chainsaw got used during childbirth. Some of the issues many pregnant faced included:
- Finding it hard to walk or stand on their feet
- Vagina and small bones problems
- Bone breaking
- Breech birth
- Baby’s head not moving through the birth canal
- Baby’s shoulders get stuck.
It is dreadful to think about how those women went through the whole procedure and then dealt with the other issues afterward.
When was Chainsaws Stopped as a Childbirth Tool?
Exactly what date the chainsaw got stopped as a childbirth tool is not known. However, it did last through the 19th century and remained a part of the surgical toolbox until C-sections became popular.
Thankfully in the 20th century, the use of chainsaws for childbirth became less and started to get used for other purposes like logging.
In the more developed country, this concept of chainsaw and childbirth has become zero and got taken over c-section. However, sadly, in the less developed countries, where they do not have the tools, experience, or place for C-sections, such a concept still lives on and still gets used.
Chainsaw uses Outside of Medicine
You are probably now wondering how did something made for childbirth got to cutting trees and being used for other things?
Believe it or not, it was actually in the 20th century when there was a realization amongst people that chainsaws can get used for other things apart from medicine.
It was in 1905 in San Francisco when someone called Samuel J Bens put in the first patent for an electric chainsaw, calling it the “endless chain saw.”
However, it was actually in 1926 when the first electric chainsaw got created by Andreas Stihl, who later patented it.
Did you know that the electric chainsaw used to be so large that two men would have to operate it?
Me and you, both can agree how much chainsaws have changed and improved to become what they are with new engine designs making them easy to carry and use.
Conclusion
Women can be grateful to whoever came up with C-section and overall stopped the use of chainsaws for childbirth. Would you have ever thought that this was the real reason behind the invention of a chainsaw? We thankfully have TikTok to keep us updated with not only new but also old things. How shocked are you having learned the reason for the chainsaw invention?
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