Preparing soil sample. Microtome machine being used to slice thin sections off a soil sample that is embedded in resin (bottom centre). This is part of a forensic investigation. The thin section will be placed on a glass slide and examined under a light microscope. This will allow the forensic investigator to identify the soil type and other evidence that may help in the investigation. The rapidly rotating, circular cutting blade of the microtome is being cooled by a stream of water (lower right). The forensic investigator (wearing gloves to avoid contaminating evidence) is adjusting the control on the microtome to select the correct thickness of the slice.