Mr. Downing talked about his book of social history, Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time, published by Shoemaker and Hoard. He explored the origins and controversies surrounding Daylight Saving Time. First proposed in 1907 in London, the book argued that it was the most unscientific public policy ever perpetrated. In his remarks Mr. Downing talked about various interests and reasons for adopting Daylight Saving Time, the results of several attempts to institute the practice on wide scale levels, and misperceptions about the practice. Following his remarks he answered questions from the audience.