Why Were Chainsaws Invented? Did You Know They Were for Child Birth?

(Photo : Unsplash / Michael Fenton)

For those wondering why chainsaws were invented, the answer is pretty shocking as they weren't initially used for cutting wood. As such, earlier versions of the chainsaw were actually used as a medical tool for childbirth.

Chain Saw Invention

According to Pharmacy Times, while childbirth in the modern age is already difficult enough, it can still be considered much better compared to history. This is mostly because of the modern forms of sanitation and the use of morphine, fentanyl, and other labor pain relief medications.

Aside from modern opioid medications which can help mothers when giving birth, other modern developments include medical tools that allow doctors to perform operations consistently with less risk. However, this wasn't always the case; and back in time, medical tools were far from where they are now.

The invention of the chainsaw happened during the 18th century by James Jeffray and John Aitken, both of them were esteemed Scottish doctors who developed what would be a prototype of the modern chainsaw. The initial objective of the chainsaw was for the excision of diseased bone as well as symphysiotomy.

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Invention of the Chainsaw

The National Library of Medicine reports that the chain hand saw was initially invented around 1783 to 1785. The medical tool was used by Aitken in the dissecting room, as seen in illustrations of his Principles of Midwifery or Puerperal, which was published in 1785.

As noted by Sage Journals, Jeffray saw the idea of the chain saw; but it wasn't until 1790 that it was produced. The doctor then published his findings in 1806, which included a report of a successful excision of diseased knee and elbow joints.

Initially, the tool's design was based on a watch chain, with their teeth moving through a hand crank. This invention resulted in praise from the obstetricians and gynecologists in the field as they saw its benefits upon symphysiotomies.

Modern Chainsaw

The chainsaw then evolved closer to what it looks like today as it became mechanized in the 19th century. This increased its use among OB/GYNs but was then replaced by the Gigli twisted wire saw, which is used more often today.

In 1905, the timber industry started to adopt the mechanized chainsaw as it allowed them to cut trees more efficiently. Science Focus reports that patents started popping up in 1883 regarding a Chain Sawing Machine for wooden boards; and after that, the Endless Chain Saw for felling giant redwoods was then patented around 1906.

By 1918, Canadian James Shand created and patented the world's first portable chainsaw, which is closest to what is being used today. Nowadays, chainsaws are gas-powered or electric, allowing them to become more efficient.

In 1926, Andreas Stihl patented, designed, and developed the electric chainsaw for cutting wood. In 1929, he also patented a model that was powered by gas.