Masonic Origines By Albert Pike (1809 - 1891). Published by the Supreme Council of the 33d Degree, for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States. Second Edition, published in Washington in 1887. (28 pages)

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Excerpts:
...A Rite might consist of a single Degree; but whether of one or more, the first possessor or possessors of the Degree or System, or his or their successors, have the right to make or to adopt Constitutions, Institutes, Statutes, or Regulations, which shall be the Organic or Supreme Law of the Degree or Rite, providing a system of government for it and for its administration; providing for the creation of Bodies, for fees, dues and revenues, and for a judicial system; with other legislation needed for its successful propagation and well-being. By this legislation every one already of, or afterwards becoming a member of the Rite, is bound, being in law a party to it and one of the makers of it; and no man can be of the Degree or Rite, and repudiate or set at nought its fundamental law. If he does that, he cuts himself off from it.
...The primary or earliest Rite of Free-Masonry was the Symbolic, commonly known as the 'Blue' Masonry, consisting at first of no 'Degrees,' properly so called. When the First or Second Degree was invented and adopted, or by whom or how, is not known. It is only known that until about a certain date there were no Degrees, and that about 1723,.perhaps as late as 1725, the Third was adopted. The three were invented and came into use before there was any other organization than that of the Blue Lodges. The Third Degree, at least, belonged to the English Free-Masonry, and could be legally acquired from it only.
...In regard to the fundamental law of the English Masonry, as embodied in what are known as Anderson's "Constitutions of the Free-Masons," they were first published at London in 1723, "containing the History, Charges, Regulations, &c., of that Most Ancient and Eight Worshipful Fraternity," dedicated by J. F. Desaguliers, Deputy of the Duke of Wharton, Right Worshipful Grand Master, to the Duke of Montagu, Ex-Grand Master.