How to feel the situation of secend "on"?
The druggist plugged in an electric coffee pot, found two cups and put them on a table that had a chair on either side of it

Dose the it refer to table?

Why didn't the writer use "by" instend of "on"?

Question

How to feel the situation of secend "on"?
The druggist plugged in an electric coffee pot, found two cups and put them on a table that had a chair on either side of it

Dose the it refer to table?

Why didn't the writer use "by" instend of "on"?

Answer

Yes - there was a chair on either side of the table.  The table was between the two chairs.

'on' is simply part of the phrase : 'on either side of ....'

Answer

It's funny how 'on' is used in two different ways, Chronic. Thanks.