Introduction
Paconius and the pedestal for Apollo : a paradigm of error in conceptual design
Vitruvius's auger and Galileo's bones : paradigms of limits to size in design
Galileo and the marble column : a paradigm of a design change for the worse
Galileo's confirmation of a false hypothesis : a paradigm of logical error in design
The design and collapse of the Dee Bridge : a paradigm of success masking error
The Britannia tubular bridge : a paradigm of tunnel vision in design
Failure as a source of engineering judgment : John Roebling as a paradigmatic designer
The design climate for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge : a paradigm of the selective use of history
Historic bridge failures and caveats for future designs
Conclusion.