microtome knife
Date: 1880
Inventory Number: 1916c
Classification: Microtome Knife
Subject:
Maker: Wilhelm Walb (fl. 1842 - 1880)
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:
microtome: 3.1 × 0.7 × 15.4 cm (1 1/4 × 1/4 × 6 1/16 in.)
case: 5.4 × 18 × 5.9 cm (2 1/8 × 7 1/16 × 2 5/16 in.)
Accessories: case
Description:
This microtome knife has a rectangular blade and short rod for a handle. It is in the style of Jung.
The knife's case is lined in burgundy velvet and silk and covered in black buckram. It can hold two knives although only one is present.
A small piece of paper is glued on its lid and mentions "W M / Wheeler," the instrument owner.
It is an accessory to the Jung microtome (inv. 1916a).
The knife's case is lined in burgundy velvet and silk and covered in black buckram. It can hold two knives although only one is present.
A small piece of paper is glued on its lid and mentions "W M / Wheeler," the instrument owner.
It is an accessory to the Jung microtome (inv. 1916a).
In Collection(s)
Signedinside knife case: Wilhelm Walb / Heidelberg / Hauptstrasse 5
Inscribedon label on case: W M / Wheeler
FunctionA microtome is used to slice extremely thin specimen samples so they could 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.