Historical information

Microtome for cutting resin embedded tissues for electron microscopy. In 1957 a modified hodge microtome redesigned and built by H.A. Waters of the Melbourne University Department of Physics was acquired. The Waters microtome is of thermal expansion type - the rod “A” is heated and by expansion pushes the resin block forward by a fraction. It is mounted on a long cast iron base. The movement of the block is eccentric drawing the specimen away from the knife after cutting, The glass knife ‘B’ is adjustable by means of a modified microscope column screws ‘C’. The microtrome is driven by a continuous action electric motor mounted on the common base. Hand cutting can also be done. The cutting was controlled by viewing through a Leitz Binocular microscope mounted on the same base. The original microscope was subjected to nine modifications by Dr S Weiner from whose PhD Thesis (1962) ‘Electron Microscopical Studies of the Liver’ this information was obtained. (text provided by Professor H Attwood)

Physical description

Microtome made of metal and enamelled in light blue. Components are identified by the use of stick on labels. The microtome is mounted on a long cast iron rectangular base and has an electrical cord for connection to a power point.

Inscriptions & markings

Plaque on back: “Pathology Department, University of Melbourne Serial No. 0091. Date: 7/7/1968”