The first volume contains mathematical problems, which appear to be college exercises (1814); the second volume is an essay on the projection of the sphere and spherical trigonometry, including an appendix on astronomy (1812); and the third volume is a lecture on natural philosophy, apparently prepared for delivery [n.d.].

These classroom notes, taken by an unidentified student, present the state of knowledge in natural philosophy, especially astronomy, during these years. There are mentions of many contemporary scientists, and much on Newton and Newtonian philosophy.

Robert Maskell Patterson (1787-1854, APS 1809) was a professor of chemistry and natural philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania (1812-1828) and professor of natural philosophy at the University of Virginia (1828-1835). He was director of the U.S. Mint from 1835 to 1851. His father, Robert Patterson, was a revolutionary soldier, professor of mathematics at the University of Pennsylvania (1779-1814), and director of the U.S. Mint (1805-1824).