"Thiebault...had a natural instinct for staff work and soldiering in general. His careful manual-one of the best ever published-still should be read by every staff officer."
This was the first 'edition.' A second, more detailed version was published in 1810. The first one, at least, was translated into English as:
An Expanation of the Duties of the several Etats-Majors in the French Army. The notation at the beginning of the translated volume notes that 'The great advantages which must manifestly result from a well-conducted Etat-major or staff, are acknowledged in every military country. France, however, seems alone to have entered fully into the system, and to have added the experiment of practice to the suggestions of theory.'
'In offering the following translation to the British Army, the publisher has been principally actuated by a wish to furnish individuals with such general outlines of conduct, as suit all countries and are applicable to all services.'
Interestingly, and contrary to many accounts, the French did established a staff corps on 29 October 1790, 'by a law of the National Assembly.' It was composed of thirty officers, colonels and lieutenant colonels, and they were differentiated from line officers by the title of adutants general (pages 11-12).. This latter title would be changed by Napoleon to adjutant commandant, and all would be of the rank of colonel.