Working with a crude and not very effective homemade microtome I managed a cross section (c.s.) or two of a Blackberry stem. As soon as this post is finished, I am off to the hardware where they have drawers full of science project stuff (Lowes). Maybe I can come up with a more practical device than a thread spool and a dowel.
Those are two impressive photos Ken, showing a lot of interesting structural detail. The natural colours are good too. In some ways it is easier to relate to an image that still looks organic.
Yeah, I thought they turned out sort of colorful myself Bruce. The stem was a dark maroon color to start with so the natural pigmentation added to it. I am starting to take an interest in this, thanks to Bernhard. Thanks Bruce.
Thanks Doug This is a very hard and woody like stem. It took several tries with my crude microtome to get just, maybe, a 0.5 mm section. Still not thin enough but then again still not bad I think. Could be better. Hey, thanks again Doug.
Thanks for the advice there Bernhard. I also found out that the wax or paraffin makes a big difference too. I tried candle wax from several different candles and found out that some were too soft for embedded work and then some others marginal. I have ordered myself that little hand microtome by the way, should be a few weeks before I get it though.
Well, actually Ken, I don't see the point of wax embedding a wooden stem. You do this in order to be able to cut soft and fragile material like small leaves and stuff. In order to get hold of the specimen you just drill a hole in a cubic piece of a carrot and insert the stem, or if it is a bigger one, cut the carrot in two halves and put the stem (or whatever) in between. Thus you can cut even with a razor blade.