A

David

Darling

microtome

microtome

A clinical microtome.


A microtome is a device used to prepare thin sections for viewing with a microscope. The specimen is embedded in a block of wax, then placed in the microtome. Turning a handle raises and lowers the block against a blade. At the top of its rise the block is advanced by a micrometer screw, which controls the thickness of the section cut on the descent.