This sub-series consists of both original diaries of Wilder Penfield and photocopies of original diaries made by Jefferson Lewis in the course of his research. More precisely, the diaries dating from 1906 to 1914 are originals; those for subsequent years are photocopies of diaries left by Penfield in the vault of the MNI and now part of the Wilder Penfield Archive (P142) held in the Osler Library Archives. These diaries contain an unparalleled personal chronicle of Penfield’s work, travels, encounters, and reflections. The original volumes from his youth provide unique insight into the development of his character and of his ambitions.

This sub-series consists of letters exchanged between Wilder Penfield and his family, friends, and acquaintances. The correspondence is of a general and family nature, but covers many aspects of Penfield’s life, including his financial affairs, the indemnity sought for injuries sustained in the Sussex disaster, contacts with medical and scientific men, personal friendships, and a few letters regarding his partnership with Dr. William Cone. A small amount of professional correspondence also appears in this sub-series.

This sub-series contains Penfield’s passports, commission, some medical records, and a photocopy of his will.

This sub-series contains newspaper clippings, photographs, and travel materials collected by Wilder Penfield, a group of war predictions for 1943 prepared by Wilder Penfield and his friends in 1942, and materials related to the ceremonial side of the MNI.

This sub-series consists of a typescript draft of Penfield’s final work, his autobiography No Man Alone, which includes his corrections in the margins. The autobiography was published posthumously in 1977 as No Man Alone: A Neurosurgeon’s Life, by Little and Brown in Boston.