Accession No

4952

Brief Description

microtome, rotary cutting, probably model 569, by C. Reichert, Austrian, 20th Century

Origin

Austria; Vienna

Maker

Reichert, C.

Class

laboratory apparatus; biology; microscopes

Earliest Date

1920

Latest Date

1990

Inscription Date

Material

metal (brass, steel, white metal, other); wood

Dimensions

length 307mm; breadth 300mm; height 260mm

Special Collection

Provenance

Donated on 30 August 1997.

Inscription

Description Notes

Paraffin series cutting microtome alternatively referred to as Reichert’s Minot-Handle-Operated Microtome “Om S”. Tissue, plant or animal in paraffin sliced extremely finely for observation under microscope. This microtome is designed for making a continuous series of sections. The microtome has a fixed knife handle to facilitate the removal of the sections. The objects to be cut are cemented to a block which is brought into position in a ball and socket joint. Adjustment is obtained by sliding the knife block and the object slider, and the specimen is fed forward automatically after each cut. Cutting is performed by turning the crank wheel. Thickness of the cut may be varied in stages of 1 micron within the limits of 1 to 25 microns. (From Reichert’s catalogue Optical Works, Vienna VIII)

From the diagram in the catalogues it appears that a leather conveyer belt was provided to take the sections away from the cutting area, on our microtome there is a hole in the right place for attaching the belt mechanism, so this suggests that this is the model 569 (see page 31 in catalogue above) as all other characteristics match.

Square base with rubber feet at each corner. Internal mechanism of wheel propelling ball and socket unit forward are housed in metal casing with a lid that opens up. Large metal wheel with wood handle on side for mechanical powering of the cutting. Fixed block in front of the casing on the base unit has a clamp to hold the knife in place and possibly the leather conveyor belt.

References

Events