Collection consists of letters from prominent scientists in various fields of study. Many of the letters in this collection are addressed to Dr. Chauncey D. Leake.

Some of the letters contain discussion of a scientific nature, while others contain pleasantries, invitations, and discussion of scientific publications for collecting purposes. Some of the notable correspondents include Sir Richard Owen, Sir Francis Galton, Joseph Dalton Hooker, William Jackson Hooker, Sir Frederick Grant Banting, Adam Sedgwick, and James Prescott Joule.