In this extensive work, John Yarker attempts to trace the history of Masonry and Masonic rites through history, proving its legitimacy through seniority and the power of tradition. Yarker establishes the roots of Masonry in a race he calls the Aryans, a catchall phrase to describe an unknown race of conquerors who developed the early human arts, such as stoneworking, metalworking, and agriculture. Yarker then explains how that civilization gave rise to societies of special knowledge, such at the mathematical and philosophical schools in ancient Greece.

From these, he can trace symbolism to modern Freemasonry.

PART I—THE ARCANE SCHOOLS

I. Archaic Legends

II. Proto-Aryan Civilization and Mysteries

III. Aryan Civilization and Mysteries

IV. The Mysteries in Relation to Philosophy

V. Philosophy in Relation to Masonic Rites

VI. The Mystic and Hermetic Schools in Christian Times

PART II.—OPERATIVE AND SPECULATIVE

VII. Recapitulated Proofs of Ancient Masonry

VIII. Masonry in Britain and Saxon England

IX. Masonry in Norman Times

X. Freemasonry in Modern Times

PART III.—SPECULATIVE REVIVAL

XI. Origin of the System Termed High-Grade (Ancient)

XII. Freemasonry in the Grand Lodge Era (Modern)

XIII. Freemasonry under the United Grand Lodge

PART IV.—ANCIENT MSS

Appendix.

Series of Constitutional Charges