Just how many
times have you heard that? And just why
can’t you compare apples and oranges?
A comparison of
apples and oranges occurs when two items or groups of items are compared that
cannot be practically compared. Really?
The idiom,
comparing apples and oranges, refers to the apparent differences between items
which are popularly thought to be incomparable or incommensurable, such as
apples and oranges. The idiom may also be used to indicate that a false analogy
has been made between two items, such as where an apple is faulted for not
being a good orange.
First, the
statement that something is like comparing apples and oranges is a kind of
analogy itself. That is, denigrating an analogy by accusing it of comparing
apples and oranges is, in and of itself, comparing apples and oranges. More
importantly, it is not difficult to demonstrate that apples and oranges can, in
fact, be compared.
At least two
tongue-in-cheek scientific studies have been conducted on the subject, each of
which concluded that apples can be compared with oranges fairly easily and on a
low budget and the two fruits are quite similar.
The first study,
conducted by Scott A. Sandford of the NASA Ames Research Center, used infrared
spectroscopy to analyze both apples and oranges. The study, which was published
in the Annals of Improbable Research, concluded: "[...] the comparing
apples and oranges defense should no longer be considered valid. This is a
somewhat startling revelation. It can be anticipated to have a dramatic effect
on the strategies used in arguments and discussions in the future."
A second study,
written by Stamford Hospital's surgeon-in-chief James Barone and published in
the British Medical Journal, noted that the phrase apples and oranges was
appearing with increasing frequency in the medical literature, with some
notable articles comparing "Desflurane and propofol" and
"Salmeterol and ipratropium" with "apples and oranges".
The study also
found that both apples and oranges were sweet, similar in size, weight, and
shape, that both are grown in orchards, and both may be eaten, juiced, and so
on. The only significant differences found were in terms of seeds (the study
used seedless oranges), the involvement of Johnny Appleseed, and color.
Early in the
history of the orange being introduced in many cultures it was referred to as
China's apple.
No matter what
we think Oranges are the best for you and the best tasting! Oranges Rule!
If you are looking
for the perfect wholesome gift for a business associates, family or friends? A
quick visit to http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift
giving adventures. We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus
you can buy.
Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E”
Street
Porterville,
CA 93257
559-561-3391
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