697. A will is an act of gift in contemplation of death, by means of which the testator, without the intervention of the person benefited, makes a free disposal of the whole or of a part of his property, to take effect only after his death, with power at all times to revoke it. Any acceptance of it purporting to be made in his or her lifetime is of no effect. Every will is construed with reference to all property comprised in its disposition, as though it had been executed immediately before the death of the testator, unless a contrary intention appears by the will.