"3.4 centimeters" and "9.8 meters per second squared" want to know
where in the class hierarchy they can live. 

These two new inhabitants have almost the same algebra as polynomials,
including addition, a zero, multiplication, and a one. Magnitude says
in her class comment that she includes "linear" things. So 9.8 meters
per second squared suggests they live there.

3.4 centimeters objects that magnitudes respond to the comparison
messages (<,<=,>,>=). He says they cannot be Magnitudes, because 
"3.4 centimeters < 9.8 meters per second squared" makes no sense.

9.8 meters replies that both Time and Number are Magnitudes, and
comparisons such as "2 Seconds < 3" make no sense, either. As long
as 3.4 centimeters is willing to compare himself to 1.4 inches, no
one will complain that he refuses to compare himself to 2 grams. 

This argument convinced 3.4 centimeters, so they moved in. Now 3.4
centimeters is feeling deceived by Magnitude's advertisement that she
specializes in linear things. Magnitude defines only messages related
to ordering, not messages relating to addition or multiplication.
Indeed, neither date nor time supports any sort of multiplication
whatsoever.

Still, Magnitude is the best home they have found. Anyone have any
better ideas?

-- 
Stan