CHAPTER IV 

 SIMPLE SECTION METHODS 



FREE HAND SECTION CUTTING 



This method is important because it requires no costly appli- 

 ances; although the sections are not as accurately cut as when 

 mechanical aids are used, the method is simple, rapid, and 

 adequate for the more general histological and pathological work. 



1. The section razor is flat on one side (the lower), and 

 hollow ground on the other (Fig. 15) . It must be sharp. 



2. A shallow glass dish or watch-glass partly filled with 

 water is also necessary. Before making a section dip the razor 

 flatwise into the liquid, or use a camel's hair brush; see that the 

 upper surface is well flooded. 



3. Sit in such a way that the fore-arm may be steadied 

 against the edge of the table. 



4. Use a piece of liver which was fixed in formalin, first 

 rinsing it in water. Take the tissue between the thumb and 

 forefinger of the left hand, and hold it in such a way that a thin 

 slice may be cut by drawing the knife along the surface of the 

 forefinger. 



5. Rest the flat surface of the knife upon the forefinger, and, 

 beginning at the heel of the knife, carefully draw the blade 

 toward you diagonally through the tissue, slicing off a thin 

 section of as uniform thickness as possible. 



6. As each section is cut, float it off into the water; if it adheres 

 to the blade, remove it by means of a wet camel's hair brush. 



7. Practice until very thin sections are obtained, then place 

 the dish upon a black surface, and with a needle or section lifter 

 transfer the thinnest and best sections, if only fragments, to a 

 watch-glass containing water. 



NOTE. In case the tissue has been preserved in alcohol, cut the sec- 

 tions under 70 per cent, alcohol instead of water, then transfer them to 

 50 and 35 per cent, alcohol successively and finally to water, leaving 

 them in each liquid from 3 to 5 minutes. 



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