Images(3)

sledge microtome

Datecirca 1879

Inventory Number1900

ClassificationMicrotome

Subject

Maker Samuel W. Fletcher died 1919

Collector Ernst-Lewis Collection of Microscopes

Cultural Region

Place of Origin

Dimensions21 × 21.6 × 40.4 cm (8 1/4 × 8 1/2 × 15 7/8 in.)

Material

DescriptionThis is a sledge microtome. The main frame is made of mahogany and stands on four short legs. It is equipped with a brass tray, a specimen holder, and a drive screw operated by a hand wheel. The knife is located on a v-shaped, cast iron and blackened holder. The holder has a bronze knife block. The holder's legs are tipped with ivory feet. The sides and base of the microtome where these legs would touch in operation are covered in glass.

Signedstamped on knife: New York U. S. A. / CURLEY'S IDEAL SAFETY RAZOR

FunctionDesigned for making sections of animal tissue in alcohol.

ProvenanceDr. Samuel W. Fletcher, Pepperell, MA, 1879; Ernst-Lewis Collection of Microscopes, Harvard Medical School

Historical AttributesThis microtome was designed and made by Dr. Samuel W. Fletcher (d. 1919), a graduate of Harvard Medical School, 1858, and an Assistant Surgeon of the 32nd Massachusetts Volunteers, 1863-1865. This microtome is described in the <i>Boston Medical and Surgical Journal</i> 100 (1879): 254-257.