Jung model II R Thoma-type sledge microtome
Date: circa 1894
Inventory Number: 1916a
Classification: Microtome
Subject:
Maker: Rudolf Jung (1845 - 1900)
Inventor: Richard F. K. Thoma (1847 - 1923)
Owner: Carl Zeiss, Optische Werkstätte, Jena (1846 - 1904)
Owner: William Morton Wheeler (1865 - 1937)
User: Bussey Institution (1871 - 1936)
User: Museum of Comparative Zoology (founded 1859)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
City of Use:
Dimensions:
9.1 × 27 × 8.9 cm (3 9/16 × 10 5/8 × 3 1/2 in.)
Accessories: leatherette covered case (1916b); microtome knife in case (1916c)
DescriptionThe base of this instrument is made of cast iron. The rest is made of brass and the parts are nickel-plated. The knife holder is put on top of the microtome and is positioned anywhere via a horizontal motion. It is locked on the block by a wing screw but is otherwise non-adjustable. The specimen holder is lower and is finely moved with a micrometer screw, horizontally towards the knife. The micrometer screw block clamps in place and is lined up on the ways by an attached bar bearing on the rib of the ways. The specimen holder is of the usual shape and construction: oval jaws on parallel rods with a knurled head screw for adjustment. However, the tilt and rotating mechanisms are different. The holders have ivory blocks inset into them to act as reduced friction sliders.
The microtome knife (inv. 1916c) accompanies the instrument and has the owner's name on the outside of the case: "W M / Wheeler."
The storage box for the microtome (inv. 1916b) is by another maker and made later.
The microtome knife (inv. 1916c) accompanies the instrument and has the owner's name on the outside of the case: "W M / Wheeler."
The storage box for the microtome (inv. 1916b) is by another maker and made later.
In Collection(s)
Signedon instrument: R. JUNG / HEIDELBERG
Inscribedon spine: 2521
FunctionA microtome is used to slice extremely thin sections of specimens, which may be dyed and then studied under a microscope.
Historical AttributesOwned by Professor William Morton Wheeler (1865-1937), dean of the Bussey Institution from 1915. (see old file card for more information).
Curatorial RemarksAccording to the business records of Jung, this microtome was manufactured in 1894 and was sent to Zeiss, Jena, before being bought by William Wheeler. (See card's image.) Though unspecified here, this information could have come from the serial number found on the instrument (2521).
ProvenanceWilliam Morton Wheeler, Bussey Institution, Harvard University; later, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University; transfer to CHSI, 1985.
