def apply(self, transformation, node):
        '''
        High-level function to call a `transformation' on a `node'.
        If the transformation is an analysis, the result of the analysis
        is displayed.
        '''
        assert issubclass(transformation, (Transformation, Analysis))
        a = transformation()
        a.attach(self)
        res = a.apply(node)

        # the transformation updated the AST, so analyse may need to be rerun
        # we could use a finer-grain caching system, and provide a way to flag
        # some analyses as `unmodified' by the transformation, as done in LLVM
        # (and PIPS ;-)
        if a.update:
            self._cache.clear()
        return res