The Institutes are a complete exposition of the elements of Roman law and are divided into four books—the first treating of persons and the differences of the status they may occupy in the eye of the law; the second-of things, and the modes in which rights over them may be acquired, including the law relating to wills; the third of intestate succession and of obligations; the fourth of actions and their forms. For many centuries they had been the familiar textbook of all students of Roman law.

The Institutes of Gaius and Rules of Ulpian : the former from Studemund's apograph of the Verona Codex, with translation and notes, critical and explanatory, and copious alphabetical digest : by James Muirhead, Professor of Civil Law at the University of Edinburgh, originally intended to simply incorporate the notes from his copy of the Institutional Commentaries of Gaius for use by his students. The work includes the Latin text with the English translation on the alternative sections of the pages. The Introduction includes what he feels is necessary for students to know of Gaius and his Institutes and Studemund's Apograph. A Table of Authorities cited in the Notes by their abbreviation begins on page xvii and a subject index begins on page 441.

Comprehensive and accessible, this book offers a concise synthesis of the evolution of the law in Western Europe, from ancient Rome to the beginning of the twentieth century. It situates law in the wider framework of Europe’s political, economic, social and cultural developments.