Equipped with over 35 years of sea-faring experience, Paasch set out an exhaustive explanation of all the principal parts of a ship's structure and equipment. He describes: the main types of steam and sailing vessels; wooden and iron hulls; propulsion machinery; anchors and related equipment; masts and spars; and standing and running rigging, as well as sails, tackle, blocks and ropes. He concludes with knots, bends, hitches and splices, and finally, provides a listing of standard measurements.