i8 MICROSCOPICAL RESEARCH 



obliquely over the knife-plate, which is always kept moist with alcohol. 

 The instrument is fitted with an oblong top, very useful for the 

 production of sections from specimens which are too large for the 

 ordinary well; it fits on top of the microtome (Fig. lo), and is held in 

 position by a series of clamps. The aperture is fin. wide by ijin. long 

 by i^in. deep. The carrier fits into the tube of the microtome and is 

 actuated by the spindle in the usual way. 



Fig. 10. — The Microtome, with the "oblong top" attachment set up for use. 



The specimens to be cut are embedded in the well of the 

 microtome in various ways according to their form and nature, the 

 pieces to be cut must have one surface or edge levelled so that it 

 will stand vertical on the carrier, and should be placed a little out of 

 centre towards the cutting side, or operator, so that the knife has not 

 to travel so far over the aperture before coming in contact with the 

 specimen. As the specimen to be cut is surrounded with hard paraffin 

 it is advisable to remove it from the front of the specimen, that the 



