Why were chainsaws invented?

Chainsaws were invented to make the process of cutting wood more efficient and less labor-intensive. The first chainsaw was developed in the late 18th century by two Scottish doctors, John Aitken and James Jeffray, as a surgical tool for symphysiotomy and excision of diseased bone. However, it was not until the mid-20th century that chainsaws began to be widely used for forestry and other woodcutting purposes.

Chainsaws revolutionized the timber industry by allowing workers to cut down trees and process wood much more quickly than with traditional hand tools like axes and saws. This increased efficiency led to a significant increase in the availability of wood products and helped drive the expansion of industries such as construction, furniture making, and paper production.