Microtome

A microtome comprising a knife holding device for a cutting element (16) and comprising a specimen holding device (12) for a specimen which is to be cut thin is described. Associated with the specimen holding device (12) for performing 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 performing a feed movement. A sender (20) is associated with the first drive device (18). The sender (20) is connected with an electronic control means (28). Control of the first drive device (18) is effected by means of a first operating element (28). Control of the second drive device (38) is effected by means of a second operating element (44). To achieve an excellent degree of operating comfort for the microtome the first operating element (28) has two control modes, namely a standard mode and a second mode. In the standard mode the cutting movement of the specimen holding device is controlled by rotation of the first operating element (28). In the second mode a continuous cutting function is activated by pressing the first operating element (28). Corresponding to the first operating element (28) the second operating element (44) has two control modes, namely a rotary mode and a pressing mode.