Fonds consists of manuscript essays spanning the years 1847-1903. They comprise his inaugural lecture on pericarditis, reminiscences of early days of the Medical Faculty, several discussions of homoeopathy, and papers on vaccination, the registration of the causes of death and other topics. Eleven volumes of his manuscript lectures "On women's medical problems" are also included.

The fonds consists of records from the McGill University Chemistry Society including minutes (1902-1940); correspondence, lists of speakers, lecture announcements and other papers related to speakers (1984-1990); and society papers, with reference to B. Purves, J.T. Donald and W.C. Purdy (1972-1985).

The fonds consists of a file of correspondence regarding the publication of R.C. Fetherstonhaugh's McGill University at War 1914-1918 and 1939-1945: raised for use in the Comptroller's Office.

Fonds documents Thomson's research, his consultations with government, and his involvement in learned societies and university associations. As well, a significant percentage of the material is of a nonprofessional and private nature, focussing on Thomson as a public speaker.

Papers devoted to research consist of 18 cm of background notes, summaries and extracts on nutrition, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, and vitamins. Approximately .6 m of card indexes contain summaries of Thomson's professional reading in the 1920s and 1930s. For the 1940s and 1950s, the papers deal mainly with consulting. They consist of correspondence and reports for the Defence Department (1942- 1946), the Canadian Council on Nutrition (1946-1955) and the Canadian Council on Dietary Standards (1950-1957). Nutrition and research in this field are also the subjects of correspondence with the Royal Society, the Medical Research Council, and the Canada Council during this period. Thomson's work as a university teacher is documented by lecture outlines and examination question papers. His administrative positions led to his involvement in the National Council of Canadian Universities. These correspondence files (1946-1949) deal with academic exchange, scholarships, travel funds and conferences.

Speaking engagements are recorded by correspondence (1953-1954) and in drafts for speeches delivered between 1950 and 1961. Only a few of these discuss scientific topics; most discuss the nature of education, the relation of science to society, and of science to literature. There are also book reviews and background files of quotations and humorous poetry. Correspondence files, which Thomson generated as the Chairman of the Nutrition Committee of the Montréal Council of Social Agencies, are also found here (1939-1944).

Financial affairs, personal purchases and charities, travel expenses, and publications (particularly his Life of the Cell) dominate the private papers (1925-1963). There are also correspondence files maintained by Thomson's secretary during his last illness.

The fonds consists of two letters from A.E. Walker to J.W. Dawson.

The fonds consists of handwritten diaries and notes relating to the professional activities of Sandra Guillaume as Assistant Archivist at McGill University from 1 February 1970 to 9 August 1974.

The records of the History Association comprise minute books, 1963-1970, membership lists, the Treasurer's receipts and correspondence, and general files on programmes, guest speakers, outings, liaison with other societies, and the Adair Prize.

The administrative records of the MCSA contain annual reports, 1921-1968; minutes of annual meetings, 1956-1971; minutes and correspondence of the Board of Governors and its Executive Committee, 1953-1972; files on budgets and staffing, 1962-1973; and documents on the merger with the Conseil de Développement Social. The operations of standing committees (Committee on Committees, Admissions and Standards, Nominating, etc) are documented by broken series of minutes from 1937 to 1971. Far more extensive are the papers of special committees researching social problems such as school leaving, 1934; single parents, 1949; housing and urban renewal, 1967-1971; dental services for children, 1950-1961; and low-cost medication, 1970-1971. These files include case work studies, correspondence, minutes and reports. The question of day care is particularly well covered, both through committee materials and through the files of Barbara Heppner, MCSA Day Care Coordinator, 1969-70. Correspondence files contain letters and reports from member agencies, university schools of social work, co-ordinating bodies such as the Canadian Welfare Council and the Conseil de Bien-Etre du Québec, various citizen's groups, and government bodies. A large percentage of this material consists of information files, containing reports of, and studies by, American and Canadian social agencies, conference and workshop proceedings, and materials on social legislation.

The collection consists of the minutes of regular and executive meetings from 1943 and detail monthly activities of the Association. Most of the minutes are typed except for the earlier ones. There are copies of some briefs, copies of the Association's pamphlet, Reflections, and a copy of We Are Tomorrow's Past - published for the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Home Economics Association (1939-1989).
See the photo inventory for group photos covering the years 1980-1990.

The fonds consist of one framed illuminated address inscribed and presented to Dr. Grace Ritchie England "in recognition and appreciation of the invaluable and arduous services rendered...to the Montreal Women's Liberal Club since its inception six years before." It bears 24 signatures.