An analogy used in maing a scientific argument:
"…we know that eruptions on an enormous scale have happened through old vents, even in areas subject to far-extended and undulating earthquakes, without such movements having been produced. From this consideration, and from the fact that the force of earthquakes appears to have a definite relation to the thickness of crust ruptured, as we may conclude from the great difference in the effects caused by an eruption through an old, and one through a new orifice, I do not conceive we are justified in admitting the hypothesis of an undulating fluid. The two kinds of movements may, possibly, be explained, by considering that when the crust yields to the tension, caused by its gradual elevation, there is a jar at the moment of rupture, and a greater movement may be produced by the tilting up of the edges of the strata and by the passage of the fluid rock between them. In breaking a long bar of steel, would not a jar be caused by the fracture, as well as a vibration of the two ends when separate?"
Charles Darwin, 1840, On the connexion of certain volcanic phenomena in South America; and on the formation of mountain chains and volcanos, as the effect of the same powers by which continents are elevated. (Transactions of the Geological Society of London)
Read examples of scientific analogies
Many examples of science analogies are listed in 'Creative comparisons: Making science familiar through language. An illustrative catalogue of figurative comparisons and analogies for science concepts'. Free Download.
