"[Mathematical modeling] is the process of taking a complex
problem arising in empirics, inventing a simple set of equations that
describe the phenomena, developing solution methodology, and then
interpreting the solutions against the empirics. This last phase may
force several modifications before a satisfactory model is found....
"The idea that models could be developed to understand aspects of
kidney function, the behavior of economic markets, or even social
structures, evolved into a common theme that formed the basis of
general courses in modeling."