I found this randomly, but it's quite relevant and fascinating for those interested in obsidian IRL
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1273673/ (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1273673/)
Abstract
Archaeologists have shown that ancient man developed the ability to produce cutting blades of an extreme degree of sharpness from volcanic glass. The finest of these prismatic blades were produced in Mesoamerica about 2,500 years ago. The technique of production of these blades was rediscovered 12 years ago by Dr. Don Crabtree, who suggested possible uses for the blades in modern surgery. Blades produced by Dr. Crabtree have been used in experimental microsurgery with excellent results. Animal experiments have shown the tensile strength of obsidian produced wounds to be equal to or greater than that of wounds produced by steel scalpels after 14 days of healing. We have been able to demonstrate neither flaking of glass blades into the wounds nor any foreign body reaction in healed wounds. Skin incisions in human patients have likewise healed well without complications.
The prismatic glass blade is infinitely sharper than a honed steel edge, and these blades can be produced in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. It is therefore suggested that this type of blade may find an appropriate use in special areas of modern surgery.
Zalanthans are fond of performing surgery.
Nothing says fine microsurgery like a greatsword to the face
Dr. (S)crabtree. ;D
Very cool.
Thank you for posting this!! My dad told me that the Aztecs used obsidian blades as sharp as scalpels when I was a kid, but I never really believed him. Glad I could read up on this thanks to your link. :)
I've found many aspects of Zalanthan technology to be reminiscent of the Aztecs and other indigenous American cultures, if only for their similar reliance on the use of obsidian. The Aztecs had a weapon called the macuahuitl (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macuahuitl) that was certainly comparable to iron and steel swords, and was documented to be sharp and sturdy enough to decapitate humans and even horses in one blow. There is at least one weapon in Armageddon that is described to be constructed exactly like the macuahuitl, with a wooden body and multiple, sharp pieces of obsidian constituting the edge.
The Aztecs were brilliant in their use of obsidian in artwork and other crafts (http://www.mexicolore.co.uk/images-5/502_04_2.jpg), in addition to their use of bone and other stones, such as this mask made of obsidian, turquoise, leather, and a human skull (http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2009/4/7/1239112927356/Moctezuma-Aztec-Ruler-Moc-001.jpg). It was designed to have a movable jaw that moves as the wearer moved, and there are several surviving masks that are made like this one.
PS: Vivan los latinos, y siempre vivira!
Race: Aztec
Subguild: Physician
race human
guild Shorn One
subguild slaver
weapon - macuahuitl
I wants one!