Beware of the Saw

A hoosier, on a visit to Cincinnati, a few days ago, called on a business at a planing machine establishment in the Third Ward. The planing department had not yet been started but a small circular saw, which was set nearly at the edge of the bench, and projected a scant inch above its surface, was in full blast. Mr. Green, as the hoosier may be called, looked around, but finding nobody visible, concluded to seat himself on the bench while awaiting somebody’s appearance. Neither noticing nor mistrusting anything, he squatted plumb upon the saw—one spring nearly to the ceiling, and a pitch forward to the floor, indicated his astonishment at finding an incision of six inches in the length of his seat. His cries brought assistance. Dr. Eaton closed the flesh wound, and a skilful tailor that in the pantaloons.

Scientific American – November 25, 1848

—Jeff Burks