Of course, combination and substitution are predicated on the assumption that the design must be rational; self-contradictory and objective law-violating designs can only result in failure. Indeed, under the condition of sufficiently strong power, some design flaws might be compensated for—however, the design philosophy of "Might Makes Right" is after all just a widely circulated joke in Eteliria, not to be taken seriously.
Above the main wall of the Colin Ishurian Artisan Association's hall, there is an inscription said by the most distinguished alchemist in history, Ox Steelbrow:
"For an alchemist, design is all about achieving the most efficient conversion from Ether Magic Power to mechanical power."
This is, in fact, the lifelong pursuit of all alchemists.