Guillotine

By Crusader1307

The ''Guillotine'' was an effective device was created by a French Physician in 1789. The construction was simple. A wooden bench or platform was constructed so that the convicted could be strapped down (face first). The head was placed into two wooden slats with the centers removed (much like The Stocks). Above this, was a scaffolding of grooved guides which led to an angular blade suspended in a lock (pin a release pin). When activated, the blade would descend (at speed), and behead the victim. Considered a fast and effective means of execution, The Guillotine saw it's height during The French Revolution. It ended the life of many French Royalty. It was adopted for use in Germany and Sweden as well. So popular, France continued to use the device as it's primary form of execution until 1981 (with the last execution performed in 1977).