Abstract: A microtome for producing thin sections, in which the cutting operation is performed by way of a relative movement between a cutting knife and an object. A drive system (14) having a drive motor (17), a control circuit (15), and a handwheel (8) is provided to generate the relative movement. The handwheel (8) is connected to an encoder (16) that delivers corresponding signals to the control circuit (15) upon rotation of the handwheel (8). The drive motor (17) is then activated accordingly by way of said control circuit (15). In the absence of encoder signals, the drive system (14) is locked.