A device for providing incremental translation in multiple directions, having a base plate (3), a first plate (1), a second plate (2) and means for translation, such as differentially spaced holes (4,5). When the device includes an optional separate applicator (8) with pins (6) for delivering a specimen to a surface (3d), such as a slide, the device can be used in a method for making microarrays.

The contents of a vessel are mixed while the contents are being removed from the vessel. A bubble-paddle tumble stirrer having at least one linear array of rounded-edge blades is disposed horizontally in the vessel for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the array. The vessel contour defines openings at nodes between the blades for enabling the mixed vessel contents to be removed from within the openings by use of pipettes inserted into the openings. The openings extend to the bottom of the vessel. The vessel contour also defines a protrusion that closely matches the edge profile of the linear array of blades for defining a narrow duct when the edges of the blades rotate adjacent the matching vessel protrusion to thereby enhance turbulence in the vessel contents as the stirrer is being rotated.