The collection is a miscellaneous group of letters of mainly British scientists and physicians, purchased as an existing autograph collection. There are a few American signatures. The letters are primarily from the nineteenth century and focus on medical and geological topics, but also there are some earlier and later dates. In addition to the letters are anatomical drawings of surgery, sketches of bones, and one geological notebook.

A miscellaneous collection of letters, mainly of English scientists, written to various people. There are mostly one or two letters, except for those of John Peter Gassiot, William Huggins, Edwin R. Lankester, James Mackintosh, David Prain, and William Whewell.

These are letters to Quetelet primarily on the subject of astronomy (meteorological observations), including charts showing directions of shooting stars.

From negative microfilm held by Dr. Leonard G. Wilson, the collection consists mostly of incoming correspondence from English and American scientists, with a small section of correspondence from Lyell.

There is correspondence concerning geology, botany, natural history, natural selection, evolution, British science and scientists, and other scientific topics. Most of the letters are written by Lyell, with a very few items by others.