No, it's not.
Well, it's not really a matter of silliness or not, it's the rules. Doctor of Science (DSc) is a different degree, and is awarded as an honorary qualification to those with epic research reputations. EngD (Doctor of Engineering) is a newer doctorate, but is supposed to be 50/50 academic research and industrial experience.

It used to be that way with undergrad degrees. Still is at Oxford last time I looked, you graduate with a BA even if you do science.

Incidentally, where else in the world is a doctorate not a PhD? I know you get Eur Ing in front of your name if you do an engineenering PhD in some european countries, but it's still a PhD, isn't it?
( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Wed 14 Jul 2010, 14:20, Reply)