Pedal Drill

Object #: 0004.0002

In 1871, American dentist James B. Morrison (1829-1917) utilized the same foot-operated mechanism of a treadle sewing machine to create a foot operated dental drill which could achieve 2000 revolutions per minute (RPM). 

The pedal drill (also known as the treadle drill and dental engine) was an important tool for dentists even into the mid-1900s. The simple, lightweight design allowed it to be used in rural areas lacking electricity and on the battlefield.