def set_dirty(self, dirty):
        """ .. todo:: set_clean docstring
        """

        # Complain if 'dirty' isn't boolean
        if not isinstance(dirty, bool):
            raise ValueError("'dirty' must be Boolean")
        ## end if

        # Try to retrieve the dataset; complain if repo not bound.
        try:
            dset = self._repo.require_dataset(self.N_dirty, \
                                shape=(), dtype=bool)
        except AttributeError:
            raise RErr(RErr.STATUS,
                        "Cannot set dirty status; no repository open", "")
        ## end try

        # Change the value to the indicated value
        dset[()] = dirty