ABSTRACT
The general definition of a “saw” as a flat blade with a serrated edge of evenly distributed teeth, visible to the naked eye, requires interpretation when analysing the trepanning instruments of craniotomy. Detailed examination demonstrated that most if not all artefacts, believed to have been utilised for penetrating the skull vault, have serrated if irregular cutting edges, plainly evident in the case of flint, obsidian, basalt, shark’s teeth and marine shells. In fact, even the keenest scalpel blade is serrated when magnified under the microscope, as studies by both Bourgery (1837) and Tubby (1928) showed; the latter concluded, “every knife-edge is a saw in miniature” (Tubby, 1928, p. 737, Fig. 7B). Scalpels however are not applied in saw-like action, with alternating to and fro movements, characteristic of amputation saws, or with alternating rotational movements, characteristic of cylindrical crown saws.
