In previous times, when autoclaves were not yet invented, people used open flame or chemical cleaning approaches to sterilize equipment for surgical and microbiological studies. But these methods were not effective because they could not sterilize fungi, bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms on surgical instruments such as scalpels, forceps, scissors as well as other metal objects. Following the invention of the autoclave, it was soon embraced by hospitals, universities and sterile production facilities because of its proper and effective function.