This SQL code retrieves the nth Maximum and nth Minimum values in the column specified in from the table .

The argument will be accepted in the runtime by SQL:

To find the Nth Max:

SELECT * FROM   a WHERE  &N = (SELECT count(DISTINCT(b.)) FROM  b WHEREa.<=b.);

To find the Nth Min

SELECT * FROM   a WHERE  &N = (SELECT count(DISTINCT(b.)) FROM  b WHEREa.>=b.);