The specification (also known as the disclosure) describes the manner and process of making and using the invention. It must be presented in full, clear, concise and exact terms that distinguish it from similar inventions of the past. Any new improvements over previous inventions should be pointed out.

The specification is a very important part of the patent application. It tells the reader how to make and use the invention.  A complete specification consists of many different elements. 

The major elements of the specification include the following:

• Title and abstract of the invention
• Cross references to any related applications
• Brief summary of the invention
• Drawings (if necessary) along with a description of any drawings
• A detailed description of the invention
• Claims

Provisional applications should include all the components of a specification except the claims. You'll learn a little more about each element in the sections that follow.