Early form of microtome by Andrew Pritchard, c.1835

This type of microtome was devised by Andrew Pritchard (1804-1882) to cut thin sections of wood. The date of the invention is uncertain, although research suggests that it pre-dates 1835.

This microtome was designed to cut slices of wood. Attached to a piston screw, which moves the sample up and down, the piece of wood is cut in slithers by a double-handled knife. This is the first type of microtome made to be screwed to the edge of a table so it does not move during the cutting operation.