FREE -H AS 'D SECTION CUTTING 11 



ing the cut. The beginner must follow directions closely until he 

 acquires skill with practice. The student should be seated at a 

 table of such height as to afford a convenient rest for the fore- 

 arms. A small piece of tissue is held between the thumb and 

 forefinger of the left hand, so that it projects slightly above both 

 (In the cut, a cube of tissue too small to handle in this way has 

 been cemented to a cork with paraffin in the manner hereafter 

 described, and the cork held as just mentioned.) The hand carry- 

 ing the tissue is held over the saucer of alcohol. The razor, held 

 lightly in the right hand, as seen in the figure, is, previous to 



FIG. 4. FREE-HAND SECTION CUTTING. 



making every cut, dipped flatwise into the alcohol so as to wet it 

 thoroughly, and is then lifted horizontally, carrying several drops 

 perhaps half a drachm of the fluid on the concave upper surface. 

 The alcohol serves to prevent the section from adhering to the 

 knife, and to moisten the tissue. If allowed to become dry, the 

 latter would be ruined by alterations of structure. 



Now, as to the manner of moving the knife. Resting the under 

 surface upon the forefinger for steadiness, bring the edge of the 

 blade nearest the heel to the margin of the tissue furthest from 

 you. Then, entering the edge just below the upper surface of 

 the tissue, with a light but steady hold draw the knife toward the 

 right, at the same time advancing the edge toward the body. This 

 passes the knife through the tissue diagonally, and leaves the 

 upper surface of the latter perfectly flat or level. Remove the 



