There should be 1/8- to 1/4-inch depth of sample in the bottom of the capillary tube.   If you are curious, you can check the weight - it's probably about 1 mg - not a significant loss in yield in most experiments.

©2001,2002 Daniel A. Straus

After placing the capillary in the heating block atop the instrument, switch the device on.

Follow the instructions on the instrument.  Specify a Start temperature about 10°C below the expected onset of melting and an End temperature significantly higher (you'll stop the heating after the sample is melted - the End is just in case you walk away and forget).  Specify a Rate of about 2°C/minute.

Record the temperature at which the sample begins to melt and the temperature at which melting is complete.  This is the melting point range, e.g. mp 88.0-89.5 °C.  Once melting is complete switch the device off.

(If you do not know the expected mp, take a preliminary mp first with a low Start temperature and 10 °C/minute Rate; then record a more accurate mp range as above)