This undoubtedly is the great merit of the new instruction, and it is the first time, so far as is known, that the principle of containing was ever enunciated.

In this it compares favourably with everything we know of until Nelson's famous memorandum.

Its relations to Rodney's and Howe's manoeuvres for breaking the line must be considered later.

For the present it will suffice to note that it seems designed rather as a method of gaining the wind than as a method of concentration, and that the initiation of the manoeuvre is left to the discretion of the leading flag officer, and cannot be signalled by the commander-in-chief.
As to the date at which these three 'Further Instructions' were first drawn up there is some difficulty.

It is possible that they were not entirely new in 1672, but that their origin, at least in design, went back to the close of the Second War.