This was a major work since it represented the most complete description of music theory near the middle of the 17th century in France.

It covers all aspects including theoretical, practical, stylistic, organological, mathematical, acoustical, and theological.

The book covers topics including the nature of sounds, movements, consonance, dissonance, genres, modes of composition, voice, singing, and all kinds of harmonic instruments.

[2][3] Unlike modern works on music theory, it also covers the construction of instruments and acoustic propagation.

[4] This monumental treatise is abundant in illustrations (including musical engravings), and in systematic tables.