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Abstract
An efficient device is described for trimming parallel sides on paraffin blocks for use in microtomy. The device uses the vertical movement of the rotary microtome arm for the trimming action. The trimming is accomplished by a single-edged razor blade, which is mounted on a wooden block clamped in the microtome chuck. A rectangular block holder, bearing the paraffin block, is easily clamped to a Plexiglas carriage by means of a sliding wedge. The microtome knife holder is removed and the ridge of the knife guide is used as a guide for the carriage. Rotation of the microtome crank gives the slicing action; sliding the carriage brings either of two opposite sides of the block into position for parallel trimming. A 90° rotation of the carriage allows ends of the block to be trimmed, if desired.