1887] _ . Microscopy. 299 
place as fast as it is possible to move a vibrating lever up and 
down through a distance of three inches with the right hand. 
Nearly all other automatic microtomes are costly, unwieldy, large 
nor is the position of the block es ae Moreover, in none 
- of the automatic microtomes now in use is it possible to place 
the knife at right — or any ink aoe angle to the direc- 
tion in which the block to be cut is moved,—a great desideratum 
in botanical or other work in which an inclined knife is neces- 
. In order to supply an instrument serviceable especially to . 
teachers, as well as to all classes of students, botanists, patholo- 
gists, histologists, and zoologists, the designer has attempted to 
bring together all the desirable features of previously invented 
instruments, in as simple, convenient, and compact a form as 
possible, without sacrificing rapidity and efficiency of action. 
The working parts are an oscillating lever, which is provided 
with a clamp at one end into which the paraffine-holders ar 
adjusted, and at the other with a simple handle. This lever rests 
upon trunnions on either side, and these in turn rest in triangular 
notches at the top of the two pillars between which the lever 
