Cranial trepanning is still indicated for certain conditions like cerebral hematoma or other causes of brain swelling. We just gave it a fancy name (craniotomy) and hopefully also upgraded the instruments used and their cleanliness.The history of science and medicine is replete with stories that send shivers down the spine because what used to be thought the right thing to do turns out to be not so. But usually there is some reason behind it, and in some cases it may even have helped. Bloodletting with leeches is making a comeback for that reason. Even cranial trepanning could have improved things for some prehistoric people on which it was performed, and not just as a placebo. I think I'd pass on that one though![]()
Bone tools are just stainless steel versions of carpentry tools really 