The Institute of International Law, founded in 1873, is a scientific association composed of a fixed number of members and associates of different nations. Its object is to aid the growth of international law by endeavouring to state the general principles of the science of international law and by giving assistance to the gradual and progressive codification of international law. This Manual below was drafted by Gustave Moynier and unanimously adopted by the Institute. Its purpose is stated in the preface.