After the front matter, the pronunciation key (for teachers), and presentation of the alphabet, the main content of the 1880 edition is presented in 152 tables. Many of these consist of words deemed to belong to a class' (eg one syllable, two syllables a on the first three syllables accented on the second, etc.), In which the spelling and syllabification of the words is accompanied by diacritical marks to indicate pronunciation. The earliest tables consist of single syllables. Some of which are words in their own spelling (he, she). Others are only syllables (li, p), considered valuable for later word formation. Many tables also contain example sentences, including very short ones in the early tables and more complex ones later. Their aim was to teach reading and enliven class: These lessons will serve to substitute variety for the dull monotony of spelling, show the practical use of words in significant sentences, and thus enable the learner the better to understand them "(1880: 6). . As the sentences get longer they begin to have useful content such as The world turns round in a day '(Table 25) or "The best paper is made of linen rigs' (Table 26). Moral lessons were also popular, such as "A rude girl will romp in the street and" Bad boys love to rob the nests of birds "(Table 25) or" I love the young lady that shows me how to read and The Holy Bible. is the book of God '(Table 26). Each sentence for a table tells its own story, as in this miscellany that starts Table 33.