These lectures, numbered 1 through 39 and three unnumbered, were delivered at Mr. Peale's Museum and are on such topics as natural history, physical phenomena and the elements, quadrupeds, fishes, birds, primates, and systems of identification. There are notes in the lectures for pauses, music, and illustrations to be included.

The papers consist of correspondence, diaries, journals, financial records, writings, lectures, reproductions of sketches and documents which detail the lives of three generations of the Peale family. Material relating to the Peale Museum is also included.