CHAPTEK I. 

 Razors for Hand Section Cutting and Microtomes. 



IT will not be out of place primarily to clearly state that 

 the ability to cut free-hand sections with dexterity will 

 contribute in no small degree to good work with microtomes. 

 Razors. In this connection it will be well to call atten- 

 tion to the best form of razor for such work. 



FIG. 55. SECTIONAL VIEW OF RAZORS. 



Three forms are useful, and in transverse section are 

 shown in Fig. 55, A, B, C. Quality of steel and sectional 

 shape go hand-in-hand with form of blade. The edge 

 should be fairly straight, and the heel rounded, not angular. 

 The handle should be one that is capable of being grasped 

 properly ; heavy uncouth razors must be avoided, so also 

 should one having any lettering engraved on its blade. 

 The blade should be as broad as possible, -f- inch being 

 a good width. The ra^or must be kept free from corrosion, 

 and the edge maintained always at its keenest by careful 

 attention immediately after use. 



The different shapes would be used as follows : A for 

 large objects, or those that are harder than the average ; 

 B for general use ; and C for small and delicate objects. 



