German, c.1900, with label for 'E. LEITZ WETZLAR' on heavy cast iron base with chrome plated flywheel, geared advance to specimen, with box containing 2 microtome knife blades stamped ZDUCL - Zoology Dept. Univercity of Central London, 23.4cm wide

Footnote: The rotary microtome is an essential instrument in the preparation of microscope slides, widely utilized in histology and pathology labs. This precision tool slices extremely thin sections of tissue, which are then mounted on slides for microscopic examination. The rotary microtome operates on a mechanical principle where a specimen block is advanced in a horizontal motion against a stationary knife, allowing for consistent section thickness. This precision is crucial for producing uniform slices, typically ranging from 1 to 60 micrometers, necessary for detailed cellular analysis.