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 titles are mostly shorter, containing fewer chapters and references to case-decisions. A few textual corrections and marginal additions have been made in a contemporary hand, mostly in Titles 1-6; most of Titles 8-31 are followed by blank leaves presumably intended for additions and corrections. Chapters 7-18 of Title 6 have been written in separately: the remainder, and the first seven of Title 7 (folios 27-32) are lacking. The chapter-headings of Titles 15 and 21 appear to have been written in separately: those of Titles 16, 17, 22 and 31 are lacking.

An unrelated sheet of paper (folio vii) being a copy of a retour of service in favour of George Taylor, Auchtermuchty, dated 20 July 1753, found loosely enclosed between folios 246 verso and 247 has been tipped in at folio viii.