A delightful science-nerd cartoon manifested in several versions being passed around on the net. In my favorite, we’re given a science-illustrator’s b&w drawing of two (edible) figs in cross-section, labeled “fig 1.” and “fig 2.”:
(#1) The labels we expect are abbreviations for “figure 1.” and “figure 2.”: “fig. 1.” and “fig. 2.”. Instead, we get labels for two figs. Note that the drawings are illustrative figures and also of two figs — so the labels are a subtle graphic pun (“fig” punning on “fig.”)
In any case, we have to distinguish fig numbering from figure numbering — figure numbering as here:
(#2) In the Smithsonian image gallery, from Catharine Esther Beecher’s Miss Beecher’s domestic receipt-book: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy (1865) (image somewhat cleaned up for this posting)
A photographic version of the joke. More vivid and foody, less science-y.
(#3) But the same pun
Previously on this blog. In my 5/20/15 posting “Fig time”, some figgy reflections, starting with some Ficus plants and then wandering on to other fig-related matters: the fig leaf of modesty, figgy pudding, Fig Newtons, and the negative polarity item care/give a fig. Plus the fig sign, a mildly obscene gesture.