In flash of insight, I realized that what we do isn't always data science but rather data alchemy - turning base materials into something of far greater value.
Unlike the medieval alchemist trying to convert lead into gold, we convert raw numbers, divergent data into something of value, something you can base a decision on.
While I'd like to claim originality here, a quick Google search tells me quite a few others have come to the same conclusion and the term is bandied about in several industries.
Oh well, we will make the term our own. Time to get brewing the next batch of gold.
If you are interested read: "LeCun vs Rahimi: Has Machine Learning Become Alchemy?" Click below for the article link.
