These letters are to William Hepworth Dixon, who was editor of the "Athenaeum," a journal of literature, science, the fine arts, music, and drama, from 1871 to 1900. They concern current publications and publishing expenses, Michael Faraday, astronomy, perspective, M. F. Maury, P. B. Du Chaillu, all in relation to the "Athenaeum" or letters to the editor thereof.

This collection concerns astronomical observations, earthquakes, meteorology, photography, physics, professional associations, publications, and scientific instruments. The correspondents include Augustus De Morgan, Dionysius Lardner, Sir Francis Beaufort, and Sir Edward Ryan.