The Glossary was designed primarily as a key to an understanding of the terms and terminology employed in Anglo-Chinese society at the turn of the twentieth century. It covers subjects as diverse as the origin of words (such as 'amok' and 'chop'), practices such as footbinding, consideration of the thoughts of Confucius, and many other items of interest and information. Against each entry the equivalent Chinese characters are given. First published in 1878, a third edition appeared in 1900.