ef METHOD_NAME( value, unit ):
  """: Convert a matplotlib floating-point date into an Epoch of the
       specified units.
  = INPUT VARIABLES
  - value    The matplotlib floating-point date.
  - unit     The unit system to use for the Epoch.
  = RETURN VALUE
  - Returns the value converted to an Epoch in the specified time system.
  """
  # Delay-load due to circular dependencies.
  import matplotlib.testing.jpl_units as U
  secPastRef = value * 86400.0 * U.UnitDbl( 1.0, 'sec' )
  return U.Epoch( unit, secPastRef, EpochConverter.jdRef )