Automated Slide Handlers is used to transfers glass microscope slides from a cassette or magazine to a motorized microscope stage and then returns the slide back into the second cassette. It permits the unattended computer control, measurement and inspection of specimens mounted to the slides. Full modular integration of the system components allows for the slide handler instrument to be utilized with any microscope. It has a minimum of three components; namely a slide cassette indexer, an XY-stage, and a slide exchange arm. It is placed on a hub and rotates around its axis while the compartments containing slides pass over an opening through which the slides drop into a receiver. A storage magazine with a clamping mechanism is used to pick-up the unloaded slides and to place slides in the loading mechanism.