What does the author achieve by mixing exact and approximate numbers in "A Contribution to Statistics"?
By mixing exact and approximate numbers in "A Contribution to Statistics," the author achieves a couple of things:
1. Adds an air of authenticity: By including both exact and approximate numbers, the author makes the statistics appear more realistic and grounded in reality. It mirrors the way statistical data is often presented in the real world, where some numbers are precise while others are estimated or rounded.
2. Establishes the theme of ambiguity: The mixing of exact and approximate numbers raises questions about the accuracy and reliability of the statistics being presented. It highlights the limitations and subjective nature of statistics, emphasizing that they can be manipulated or skewed depending on how they are presented. This ambiguity reinforces the underlying message of the poem about the potential dangers of statistics and their misuse in conveying truth.
Overall, the use of exact and approximate numbers in "A Contribution to Statistics" serves to create an atmosphere of realism while also questioning the inherent accuracy and reliability of statistical data.