A Riddle

Jul 14 19:59 UTC 2003

        It was larger than a spoon
        But not so large as Terra's moon,
        It was deeper than a ditch
        But not so evil as a witch,
        More accurate than many a clock
        But not a harbor with a dock,
        Detestable as all-get-out
        But not as tasty as a trout,
        Less fragile than a pane of glass
        But more fun than an English class,
        Likely to inspire a sermon
        But not to scandalize a German,
        You might discuss the thing at lunch
        But not dismiss it on a hunch.

        What was it?

response 2 of 5:

Jul 29 00:02 UTC 2003

Darwin's book "On the Origin of the Species"

response 4 of 5:

Sep 25 13:26 UTC 2003

The answers so far are incorrect.

Something naughty is apt to scandalize a German.  Darwin's "Origin
of the Species" scandalized some Germans as well.  A fishnet stocking
is not deeper than a ditch.