Intellectual snobbery

History has shown us that many engineers were self-taught and produced remarkable inventions

I am very disheartened by Dr C L Murray’s objections to Sir James Dyson's elevation as a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, on the grounds that his qualification was not an engineering degree (Letters, PE September). History has shown us that many engineers were self-taught and produced remarkable inventions and engineering works – Brunel, Watt etc.

Whilst for the common man an engineering degree is the simple route to being called an engineer, we should applaud the likes of Sir James for melding his understanding of design with an equal understanding of materials and fluid dynamics. Engineering as a profession is more than just attaining a degree. The status of engineering and engineers is enhanced by the Sir James Dysons of this world. Intellectual snobbery will not deliver status.

David Harding, Johannesburg, South Africa

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