Abstract: In a microtome (1) for producing thin sections for histology, there is a danger of collisions between the sample (9) and the cutting edge (7) in setup mode for coarse feed. It is an object of the invention to limit the collision force of such a collision so that it lies within an admissible range and, therefore, damage is avoided, and the microtome (1) is thereby inherently safe in setup mode. It is also an object of the invention, using the same means, to make available methods that resolve collisions and permit automatic approximation between sample (9) and cutting edge (7). The support force of the associated advancing means (18) acting in the advancing device (12) is limited since the otherwise customary screwing of the associated advancing means (18) on the advancing device (12) is replaced, for example, by a spring mounting or by a connection acting with magnetic force.

Abstract: A rotary microtome (1) for producing thin sections for histology is used for specimens (6) of different sizes. To maintain optimized cutting conditions, an adaptation to different specimen sizes is required without incurring disadvantages in terms of operation. An adjustment possibility is provided for the length of the vertical cutting movement (10). However, the moment that is generated by the vertical carriage (7) and that acts on the drive shaft (12) then changes. To maintain balanced moments of the drive movement, the counterweight has to be accordingly adapted by an adjustment weight (31). For this purpose, means are provided which, in an ergonomic and effective manner, permit the adjustment of the cutting stroke and also the necessary adaptation of the counterweights in one operation step.