The fonds contains original and typescript letters, manuscript notes, newspaper clippings, journal extracts, reminiscences and more, assembled by Harvey Cushing chiefly between 1920 and 1924 during the course of his research for the biography of William Osler. For the biography, Cushing collected and retyped over 7500 pieces of Osler's correspondence, among which are some original letters.

The fonds is separated into three series: Manuscripts, Working Notes and Osler's Correspondence. It also contains photographs, annual reports, publications, clippings, one watercolor painting, one postcard. Osler's correspondence is further arranged in three subseries based chronologically.

Letter to J.A. Ormerod from William Osler, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England. Osler has just learned of the existence of the "Family Encyclopedia of Medicine," in connection with which the use of his name was unauthorized. Osler explains that he had been contacted by Dr. Riddle of Cambridge about a paper, for which Osler made some helpful suggestions. Osler has informed Dr. Riddle that he misused his name and abused his kindness. Includes manuscript notes.

Letter to J.A. Ormerod from William Osler, The Athenaeum, London, England. Osler's resignation as Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. Includes manuscript notes.

Letter to Sir Thomas Barlow from William Osler, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England. Osler explains to the President of the Royal College of Physicians the fraud that was perpetrated against him by Dr. Riddle. He resents the accusation that he dragged the fair name of the College through the mud, for his conscience is clear in the matter. He feels he has no choice but to resign from the College. Includes manuscript notes.

Letter to J.A. Ormerod from William Osler, Oxford, Oxfordshire, England. Osler demands that the Royal College of Physicians defend himself and the other Fellows implicated in the "Family Encyclopedia of Medicine" affair by having their names removed from the publication and by securing a public apology from the publishers.

Letter to William Osler from Lawrence F. Flick, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Flick is confident that Osler will be satisfied with the results of the recent meeting of the Tuberculosis Committee when the United States Society for the Study of Tuberculosis is fully organized. Flick is worried about raising the necessary funds to sustain a new Journal of Tuberculosis.

Letter to William Osler from Lawrence F. Flick, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Flick is pleased with Sternberg's proposed constitution and by-laws for the newly formed United States Society for the Study of Tuberculosis. However, Flick feels that his own plan of organization would achieve better results.

Letter to William Osler from Lawrence F. Flick, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Arrangements for Osler's upcoming lecture in Philadelphia. Flick asks for Osler's help in uniting the workers on Tuberculosis in an effort to bring the International Congress on Tuberculosis to the U.S. in 1905. Flick points out the degeneracy of the old Congress on Tuberculosis and the rising need for a new and improved organization.

Letter to William Osler from Lawrence F. Flick, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Arrangements for Osler's upcoming lecture in Philadelphia. Flick writes briefly of his plans to invite the International Congress on Tuberculosis to the U.S.

Letter to William Osler from Lawrence F. Flick, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Arrangements for Osler's upcoming lecture in Philadelphia. Flick has organized a dinner in honour of Osler, to which Phipps, Gordon, Ravenel, Tyson, Musser, Wilson, Martin, the Mayor of Philadelphia, and Harbison are invited guests. Due to various complications, Flick has postponed his plans to bring the International Congress on Tuberculosis to the U.S. He has invited Woodhead instead of Pannwitz to take part in a course of lectures in Philadelphia.