Abstract: In the case of a microtome, a pivotable control lever that is designed like a joystick is provided. The functions of the microtome are actuated and regulated by pivoting the control lever and by actuating buttons, which are arranged on the control lever.

Abstract: The preparation holding device of a microtome can be pivoted via a ball head. To pivot the preparation holding device, actuators are assigned to the latter as drives. A camera and laser diodes are arranged on the knife carrier of the microtome to detect the shape and positions of the preparation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microscopic system for observing an object, comprising a lens and a work table (4), which has a work surface for placing the object to be observed thereon, wherein the work surface (50) is formed at least partially by a support plate (25) that is inserted in the work table (4), placed thereon, or connected thereto, and wherein the hardness of the material of which the support plate (25) is made is higher than that of glass, the support plate (25) being made of chemically hardened glass having a Vickers hardness greater than 610 HV, preferably a Vickers hardness in the range from 620 to 630 HV.