The general arrangement is the same as that of the first printed edition of 1681 (except that Titles 18 and 19 appear in reverse order), but the text is rather shorter and illustrated by references to earlier decisions, and most of the Titles are divided into fewer paragraphs.

The text is preceded (folio iii) by an introduction, identical with that of the first printed edition, from which it may have been copied. At the end (page 276) is the signature of J Broune, dated 29 September 1677, which appears also at folio i, dated "sixt of October 1677", at folio xxvi verso, dated 1682, and without date at page 179. These may be signatures of James Brown, Dean of Faculties at Glasgow University.

An unidentified hand of the 18th century has added the title of the work at the top of page 1 and the inscription "Manuscript A" at the top of folio iii.