MICROTOME-SECTION CUTTING. 



449 



can be cut, as the paraffin sheets will come into contact, and cling 

 by their edges into a continuous riband. If the razor is properly 

 arranged and sharp, the sections should not be pressed together, 

 that is, they should preserve approximately the same cross- 

 section which the paraffin cube itself shows. Should the sections 

 curl up, this arises either from the too great hardness of the 



FIG. 158. A , semi-lancet ; B, curved needle ; C, small scalpel. 



paraffin, the too great thickness of the sections, or the two 

 combined. In general the riband slides readily from the razor, 

 or if any slight disturbance arises, the band may be eased by a 

 curved needle (such as Fig. 158, B), or a semi-lancet-shaped needle 

 (Fig. 158, A). The curved needle also serves to remove the riband, 

 which can then be cut into pieces of suitable length by means of 

 a very narrow scalpel (Fig. 158 C). It is very desirable to provide 



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