Freemasonry has moved far from its origins: although some early practices survive, others have disappeared entirely. Masonic literature from before 1750 bears witness to these changes, as shown by the seven texts collected in this volume.
Keyword: Ancien régime, secret societies, brotherhood, masonic lodges, masonic practices, initiation rites, rituals, society, tasks and duties of the freemasons, Couret de Villeneuve
