> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Connolly, Brett [SMTP:brett_connolly@merck.com]
> > Sent: Wednesday, June 09, 1999 12:55 PM
> > To:   histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> > Subject:      RE: "stupid" questions
> >
> >       I'm sorry I missed the stupid question post. I must have deleted it
> > based on the subject line.
> >
> >       My question:
> >       If I accidently lop off my hand with an old, rusty steel microtome
> > blade and then jam a #2 pencil into the severed artery to stop the
> > bleeding,
> > should I be more concerned about possible lead poisoning or a Clostridium
> > tetani infection?
> >
> > Brett

----
Just an off hand comment...

I will assume that by -"an old, rusty steel microtome blade"- you are referring
to a traditional steel knife as opposed to a disposable blade system.  In which
case, I would strongly question the ability of such an implement (in the
condition you describe) to actually sever your hand completely, thereby leaving
the question of lead (or graphite) poisoning dangling by a thread, at best.
Everyone knows that an old rusty microtome blade (knife) isn't sharp enough to
cut all the way through a  non-decal'd, unfixed, unfrozen wrist.  So, your
question is really stupid.

Might I suggest that you investigate the possibilities of acquiring a new
disposable blade system, or a brand new tungsten steel knife,  in order to
properly conduct your experiment and answer your question properly?  On the one
hand, the tungsten knife may work better than the disposable blades, but on the
other hand (now that I think of it) you could keep replacing the disposable
blades, as the become dull, until you made it all the way through.  Regardless,
there are many excellent vendors of these blades, blade holders, and knifes who
would be happy to contact you and provide you with pricing and availability.
(off the Net, of course).

Once the hand is successfully severed, you could then proceed with the
lead/graphite question, though it may be academic at this point.

NOTE: I strongly suggest that you review your state's workman's comp.
regulations and benefits before you seriously test your question.  Contact your
Human Resources department.  They can give you a hand with this.

;-)
Ford Royer/Minneapolis MN