Wooden puzzles are commonly referred to as dissected puzzles. This term was used to describe puzzles that were made entirely out of wood and involved cutting the pieces into various shapes. These puzzles were designed to be taken apart and reassembled, providing a form of entertainment and mental stimulation.
During the time when wooden puzzles were popular, in the 18th and 19th centuries, they were predominantly known as dissected puzzles. This name was derived from the process of cutting the puzzles into intricate pieces, similar to dissecting an object. The aim was to create a challenge for individuals to solve by fitting the pieces together correctly.
It is interesting to note that the term “jigsaw” was not originally associated with these types of puzzles. The term “jigsaw” actually comes from the special saw that was used to cut the wooden pieces. The jigsaw saw, also known as a scroll saw, was invented in the 1880s and revolutionized the puzzle-making process. Prior to the invention of the jigsaw saw, puzzles were cut using different types of saws, such as coping saws or fret saws.
The introduction of the jigsaw saw allowed for more intricate and detailed puzzle designs to be created. The saw’s fine blade enabled puzzle makers to cut intricate curves and shapes, resulting in more challenging and visually appealing puzzles. As a result, the term “jigsaw puzzle” gradually replaced the term “dissected puzzle” to describe these wooden puzzles.
Personally, I find the history of wooden puzzles fascinating. It’s incredible to think about how these puzzles were created by hand, with each piece carefully cut and shaped. Imagining the skill and precision required to craft these puzzles without the aid of modern technology is truly awe-inspiring.
Wooden puzzles were originally known as dissected puzzles before the invention of the jigsaw saw. The term “jigsaw puzzle” emerged once the saw was introduced and became the primary tool used for cutting these wooden puzzles. The transition from dissected puzzles to jigsaw puzzles marked a significant development in the history of puzzle-making and laid the foundation for the puzzles we know and enjoy today.