The Most Bizarre Medical Tools from Back in the Day

Osteotome

This device was invented after the classic Civil War bone saws. It was used to amputations and made it quicker and safer, causing the bone to splinter less.

Advertisement

Next Page →

The More You Know

  • The stars and flashes of light you see when you rub your eyes are called "phosphenes."
  • Where the Wild Things Are was supposed to have been about horses—but the illustrator couldn't draw them.
  • Humans specifically have eyes that face forward for the purpose of seeing in 3D.
  • “Digging a hole to China” is theoretically possible if you start in Argentina.
Next Page →