An example of a (negative) simile and an analogy in discussing science:
"…the idea in Davy's mind was, that the alkali was compounded of two ingredients which had severally an attraction for the two opposite poles of the electric current. This idea he never lost sight of throughout the whole course of his experiments, though he repeatedly shifted his ground in regard to the contrivances by which he sought its proof and manifestation. To proceed in any other way would not be to philosophise, but merely, as it were, to dip the hand into the bag of chance in quest of a discovery, as men draw prizes at a lottery. It is true that, until the experiment has confirmed or refuted his [or her] expectations, this guiding idea upon which the experimenter proceeds must be regarded merely as a conjecture. But such a conjecture or hypothesis he [or she] must have in his [or her] mind, or he [or she] is in no condition to set about the inquisition of nature. What progress would the conductor of a trial in a court of justice be likely to make, in questioning a witness, without some previous notion of the truth which the evidence was likely to establish? He [or she] might waste the whole day in putting questions and receiving answers and at last have ascertained nothing. Just as unprofitably would the interrogator of nature spend his time, if he [or she] had no directing anticipation in every case, according to which to order his [or her] experiments. Accident might, it is possible, throw a discovery in his [or her] way; but his [or her] own occupation would be evidently as idle and as little that of a philosopher as the rattling of a dice box."
George L. Craik (1830) Sir Humphrey Davy. in Cochrane, R. (Ed.). (1897). Heroes of Invention and Discovery. Lives of eminent inventors and pioneers in science. W. P. Nimmo, Hay, & Mitchell.
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