The manual provides practical, tested instruction for preparing and mounting microscopic sections, emphasizing animal tissues while covering plant material. It explains hardening and special hardening methods, embedding in paraffin and freezing techniques, hand cutting and use of various microtomes, care and selection of section knives, and stepwise staining with agents such as carmine and logwood. Guidance extends to mounting media and finishing slides in glycerine or Canada balsam. A second part gives tailored procedures for specific materials — bone, brain, cartilage, muscle, skin, wood, and others — plus notes and an appendix on tools and technique.