microtome knife

Datecirca 1880

Inventory Number1989-0023

ClassificationMicrotome Knife

Subject

Maker Rudolf Jung 1845 - 1900

Dimensionsmicrotome: 2.7 × 0.6 × 15.6 cm (1 1/16 × 1/4 × 6 1/8 in.)
case: 5.3 × 18 × 5.8 cm (2 1/16 × 7 1/16 × 2 5/16 in.)

Material

Accessoriescase

DescriptionA microtome knife with a rectangular blade and a small rod for a handle in the style of Jung.

The knife is stored in a wooden case that is designed to take two knives. Only one is present. It is stamped "b." The case has a copper latch with filigree. A piece of cardboard is stuck inside the lid as a cushion. The word "Holt." is penciled next to a knife slot. There is a faint impression of an oval stamp on the bottom of the case. A similar impression on a piece of cardboard reads: "R. JUNG / * HEIDELBERG *"

Signedstamped on cardboard: R. JUNG / * HEIDELBERG *

Inscribedstamped on knife near handle: b penciled in case: Holt.

Curatorial RemarksNote that the wooden box is very similar in design and copper hardware to CHSI inv. 1996-1-0294, which is attributed to Wilhelm Walb. Walb is also known to have made knives of this style. See CHSI inv. 1916c.

FunctionThis knife used with a microtome to cut specimens into thin sections for viewing under a microscope.