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
