[Rick TYler]

Originally Posted by Don Rotolo

The difference between a Tinkerer and an Engineer is that the Engineer will be able to tell you the results before you start.

Until something goes all nonlinear on you -- then the Tinkerer with the duct tape gets you home.

I recommend "To Engineer is Human: The Role of Failure in Successful Design" by Henry Petroski for some good cases where engineers learn from the unintended consequences of engineering inadequately foretelling the future.

(And I know you know this, Don. I just love the idea of Red Green backing up engineers with his handyman's secret weapon.)

(Although My Father the Retired Aerospace Engineer swears he never built anything that didn't have "Missile Tape" on-board somewhere.)