THE STORY OF THE SIXTH RULE

This paper traces the development of the “sixth rule,” the last of the six rules which the membership of the American Institute of Accountants approved at the 1934 annual meeting. The sixth rule appeared suddenly in the Report of the Special Committee on Development of Accounting Principles. It was added, almost at the last moment, in response to the issuing of a “Stop Order” by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against the registration statement of Unity Gold Corporation. The profession joined the FTC in criticizing the method of accounting employed by Unity. And, as a result, the sixth rule was added.