Originally published in 1846 it has been called by Chase "The most successful manipulator of the 7 shape system". There were at least 7 other shape note systems up until 1860 starting with the 4 shape systems. While the author is happy that the "trashy , unscientific " publications which "too lately were held in high esteem , especially in the south and west" have now been displaced by the scientific music of the likes of Lowel Mason, he still feels not enough people can read music. To remedy this, he puts forth his 7 shape note system. He write his music on 4 staffs: Top is" tenor" (descant), next "alto", then "treble" which is the melody and then "base". His key signatures are written out in English (i.e. Key of A). so you need to know the sharps or flats for the key signature. Metrical and alphabetical tune index. I recognize some colonial tunes like ayelbury, Chester, Northfield , Lenox , Leaner, kedron, Dundee, Devizes, Dunlaps creek.