SECTION CUTTING. IQ5 



rapidly this takes place the better will the block cut. 

 When the paraffin mass has hardened completely 

 throughout it is trimmed into shape, taking care 

 that the edges of the surface which is to be cut are 

 accurately parallel. 



FIG. 32. L-shaped moulds for embedding in paraffin. 



CUTTING THE SECTIONS. 



For cutting sections in paraffin no microtome can 

 be compared with the Cambridge Rocker, but very 

 excellent results can be obtained by the use of the 

 Cathcart microtome already mentioned. The paraffin 

 block containing the piece of tissue is mounted on 

 the freezing plate of the microtome (which must be 

 heated and the lower surface of the block pressed 

 upon it) and the sections cut in the manner de- 

 scribed ; a very sharp knife is essential and the 

 stroke must be quicker and sharper than is the case 

 when frozen sections are being cut. In another form of 

 the microtome a special inner tube is provided for 

 cutting sections by the paraffin process. The blocks are 



O 2 



