These papers include correspondence, itineraries, literary diaries, meteorological journals, sermons, and miscellaneous papers.

This dissertation explores Charles Darwin's influence on European religious manifestations and the politics of Great Britain and Germany.

In these letters to Caroline Watts, a young friend and teacher in Durham, England, Spencer writes principally about the teaching of geometry and astronomy. He also comments on current political and literary events in England, including John Bright's defeat, the Corn Laws, and theories about health and religion. There is frequent mention of his brother Thomas Spencer, and his son Herbert Spencer.

This item contains entries about prominent people (primarily accounts of their deaths); Philadelphia events and gossip; the Pennsylvania Hospital; questions for Meriwether Lewis on Indian physical history, medicine, morals, and religion; and his views on marriage, religion, physicians, etc. Also includes meeting with Captain Wells and Little Turtle; speculations on Indian skin color at the equator.