It has been said by one of the greatest of English writers on parliamentary law: "Whether these forms be in all cases the most rational or not is really not of so great importance. It is much more material that there should be a rule to go by, than what that rule is, that there may be a uniformity of proceeding in business, not subject to the caprice of the chairman, or captiousness of the members. It is very material that order, decency and regularity be preserved in a dignified public body." This work is the classic edition of Robert's Rules of Order. Originally published in 1875, Roberts Rules of Order is a manual of rules for deliberative assemblies and is often used in business, government and other governing bodies.