Microtome operated in two control modes

A microtome includes a knife holding device for a cutting element ( 16 ) and a specimen holding device ( 12 ). Associated with the specimen holding device ( 12 ) for a cutting movement is a first drive device ( 18 ) and associated with the specimen holding device ( 12 ) or the knife holding device is a second drive device ( 38 ) for a feed movement. A sender ( 20 ) is associated with the first drive device ( 18 ) and is connected with an electronic control means ( 26 ). A first operating element ( 28 ) controlling the first drive device ( 18 ) has a standard mode, in which the cutting movement of the specimen holding device is controlled by rotation of the first operating element ( 28 ), and a second mode, in which a continuous cutting function is activated by pressing the first operating element ( 28 ). A second operating element ( 44 ) controlling the second drive device ( 38 ) also has corresponding rotary and pressing modes.