Why were jigsaw puzzles invented?

Jigsaw puzzles were invented in 1760 by a London engraver and mapmaker named John Spilsbury.

John Spilsbury designed the first jigsaw puzzle as an educational tool for kids in Britain to help them learn their geography. Indeed the first puzzle was a map on a wooden board and Spilsbury cut out the countries with a marquetry saw.

At that time there were call 'dissections' and the name jigsaw puzzle come into usage in about 1880 with the introduction of the fretsaw.

Today jigsaw puzzles are both used as educational tools as well as pastime and hobbies for kids and adults alike.