An Inexpensive Vibrating Microtome for Sectioning Fixed Tissue

A tissue sectioner which uses a vibrating razor blade and a simple mechanism for the elevation of the tissue can be constructed for less than fifty dollars. The razor blade is fixed to the vibrator of a hair clipper and a nut and bolt serve as the tissue advance mechanism. A metal disc attached to the nut is used for the stage. The tissue advance mechanism is placed inside a machined teflon cylinder which provides a smooth surface upon which the razor assembly is moved. Fixed tissue may be sectioned uniformly at a thickness of 50 μm or more. This device has the advantages of portability, rapidity of sectioning, and inexpensive construction.