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The article sheds light on the joinder of claims under alternate ambiguities in the United States. Ambiguous gifts in wills are treated with very scant courtesy by the English courts. Unless the ambiguity can be removed by extrinsic evidence, the gift fails to take effect; the principle being that an unambiguous disposition is necessary to defend the title of the heir at law, next of kin, residuary devisee or legatee, or person entitled in default of appointment. There are many cases, however, in which the ambiguity is very limited in extent.

Examines the "parol evidence" rule in United States law in relation to the construction of writings. Case of wills; Statute of Wills; Questions of ambiguity; Maxim by Bacon on the ambiguity in writing; Edward Altham's Case; Extrinsic matter which might help in construing a document.