Minot-type automatic rotary microtome
Datecirca 1892
Inventory Number1918
ClassificationMicrotome
Subject
Maker
E. Zimmermann
founded 1887
Inventor
Charles Sedgwick Minot
1852 - 1914
Collector
Ernst-Lewis Collection of Microscopes
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions18.5 × 15.8 × 23 cm (7 5/16 × 6 1/4 × 9 1/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionThe instrument is constructed of cast iron and nickel-plated brass. Many cast iron parts are finished in black. The square base sits on 4 feet. The handwheel has a wood handle and raises the specimen block. A ratchet wheel adjusts the specimen distance from the knife. Each revolution of the wheel causes the ratchet wheel to move the specimen forward by a set distance. Two screws clamp the knife (not present) in place.
Signedstamped on top of vertical track: E. ZIMMERMAN / LEIPZIG
ProvenanceErnst-Lewis Collection of Microscopes, Harvard Medical School
Historical AttributesThis rotary microtome is an early production model of the instrument invented by Dr. Charles D. Sedgewick Minot of the Harvard Medical School.
Bausch & Lomb Optical Company
Date: 1937-1947
Object number: 1920
Bausch & Lomb Optical Company
Date: 1937-1947
Object number: 1919
Buff & Buff Manufacturing Company
Date: circa 1899
Object number: 1989-0018
R. Pietzsch & Company
Date: circa 1909
Accessories: case; knife
Object number: 1924
Spencer Lens Company
Date: circa 1924
Object number: 1921
