Similarities:
- Both laboratory thermometer and clinical thermometer are used to measure temperature accurately.
- They both have a scale with markings for temperature readings.
- Both thermometers use mercury or alcohol as the measuring medium.

Differences:

Design:
- Laboratory thermometers are usually longer and have a narrower stem compared to clinical thermometers which are shorter and have a wider stem for easier handling.
- Clinical thermometers typically have a flexible tip for comfortable use in the mouth, underarm, or rectum, while laboratory thermometers have a rigid tip for insertion into liquids or gases.

Temperature Range:
- Laboratory thermometers have a wider temperature range and are designed to measure extreme temperatures, whereas clinical thermometers have a narrower range suitable for measuring human body temperature.

Accuracy:
- Laboratory thermometers are highly accurate and often have a higher precision compared to clinical thermometers which may have a slightly lower accuracy due to their intended use for general body temperature measurement.

Calibration:
- Laboratory thermometers are usually calibrated regularly to maintain accuracy for scientific experiments, while clinical thermometers may not require frequent calibration as they are mainly used for general health purposes.
In conclusion, while both laboratory and clinical thermometers serve the purpose of measuring temperature, their design, temperature range, accuracy, and calibration requirements make them suitable for different applications.