Subseries consists of manuscript essays and addresses on science in relation to Biblical criticism, theology and archeology, on his travels in the Middle East, and on missions and temperance.

Subseries contains personal records including notebooks, autobiographical writing, scrapbooks, memo books, and sketches. Dawson's juvenile writings are largely essays on philosophical and religious topics, but also include his fictional story "Indian Tale" (c.22-c.23). Some scientific lecture notebooks survive from his student years in Edinburgh (c.29). Dawson composed a short autobiography as well as a memoir of his father (c.22), but the major biographical document is his scrapbook of "Family Records" (c.37), containing genealogical materials, Dawson's Edinburgh lecture tickets, his marriage certificate and letter of appointment to McGill, his C.M.G., certificates from learned societies, letters from scientists and public men, printed articles and reviews, and domestic mementos. There is also an obituary scrapbook compiled by his children Anna and William. Dawson's skill as an amateur artist is revealed by 18 cm of pictorial materials, largely pencil or ink sketches of Nova Scotia or Scottish landscapes. His travels in Europe and North America from 1855 to 1886 and briefly noted in pocket memorandum books (c.30), but his journey to the Near East in 1883-1884 is more thoroughly documented in his "Eastern Travel" scrapbook (c.39)

Dawson's family correspondence include letters from Margaret Mercer Dawson, before their marriage between 1841-1845 and also later; his son, George Mercer Dawson, on geological and personal matters; and other family members, between approximately 1869-1899. There are 74 letters exchanged between Sir William and Margaret Mercer Dawson whose topics range from geological excursions to family matters and religious ideas. Letters also give interesting accounts of mid-nineteenth century medical procedures during Margaret's illness.

Subseries documents Sharma’s academic years, from his early period at Allahabad University (in the late 50s) to his Harvard PhD (1978), through study notes, grade bulletins and diplomas.

Subseries documents Sharma’s professional activities through a 25 page CV, 13 recommendation letters for his application to Harvard’s PhD program and 2 recommendation letters for a position in Northeastern University’s Department of Philosophy and Religion in 1967 and a position Williams College’s Department of Religion in 1978, respectively.

Subseries contains objects of personal value to Sharma and includes gifts, linens and travel documents.

Subseries contains private papers of Sharma, including financial records, properties, martial documents, and personal legal records.