Database: Charles-Henri Sanson

The executioner and master of France's "national razor". One of a long line of executioners and an iconic character of the Terror. Concerned about the strain on his shoulders and back if he were to perform the numerous executions demanded by a revolution, he supported the adoption of the guillotine as a more efficient method.* -- * The poor little lamb. I hope they gave him one of those special office chairs, too. -- He kept meticulous records and notched up some 3,400 severed heard.** -- ** I think 'notched' up is code for 'knocked off'.