NOTES AND CORRESPONDENCE. 



"New Section Machine. 

 Section Machine. 



I bes to enclose sketch of a new 



A. Mahogany base, about half size. 



B. Knife blade inclined at an angle to the base, or two 

 blades, as in Valentin's knife. 



c. Cork stage upon which tissue rests, or is attached. This 

 stage has a rectangular movement by means of the screw 

 D, and may be moved to -pi^ths of an inch. 



Purposes of movement : 



1st. To accurately adjust small objects beneath the edge of 

 the knife when using single blade, and making sections of 

 known thickness. 



2nd. When using two blades, to place the object in position 

 again without disturbing it, it has about half an inch 

 rectangular motion, 



E is the cord and ring by which the stage c is pulled from 

 r to G. Upon attaching the little ring to a hook at the 

 side, the stage remains as represented, but upon releasing it 

 a spring pulls it rapidly as far as r, cutting in twain any 

 object coming in contact with the edge of the knife. 



I think the stage movement will be very valuable for 

 specimens of some degree of solidity, such as those which have 

 been subjected to chromic acid, &c. The screwhead (d) will 

 be divided, so that the value of a part of a revolution may be 



