"But look, Mr. Kingman, we're going to develop this circuit as we go along."
"You mean that you are going to fumble your way through this investigation?"
"We do not consider a cut-and-try program as fumbling," said Walt Franks.
"I am beginning to believe that your research department has not the ability to reduce your problems to a precise science," said Kingman scornfully.
"Name me a precise science," snapped Channing, "or even a precise art!"
"The legal trade is as precise as any. Everything we do is done according to legal precedent."
"I see. And when there is no precedent?"
"Then we all decide upon the proper course, and establish a precedent."
"But I've got to show you a complete circuit before you'll permit me to go ahead?"
"That's not all. Your program must not include reproducing these tubes either in miniature or full size—or larger. Give me your requirements and I shall request Terran Electric to perform the fabrication—"