POP!
No. No, I should not.
EDIT:
So, to further publicly humiliate myself. I should mention that this is the SECOND one of these ICL8038-based signal generators that I have accidentally destroyed using this method. The first one I put down to "damn cheap crap off of Amazon". In both cases I ignored the warning flag of the amperage ramping up scary fast as I rolled up the supply voltage to the spec of 12-15 volts DC. Turns out a small IC and supporting components doesn't consume 2,000mA @ 12V. Who knew?
I swapped the leads on the power supply (noting the handy + and - symbols printed above the terminals) and, amazingly, the signal generator outputs a nice square wave. The sine wave had a triangular top but seemed kinda OK otherwise. I've ordered a third one.
EDIT EDIT:
You often learn valuable lessons from your mistakes!
Indeed, nothing like a good old-fashioned public shaming to burn that lesson in. If I can serve as a negative example and/or reminder to others, so much the better.
EDIT EDIT EDIT:
Now I where saftey glasses , double check and look away on first power up when ever a cap is changed .
Yes, that cap cap shot up like a little bullet. I'm going to leave a pair of safety glasses at my electronics desk. Thanks for the suggestion.