The fonds contains Macfarlane's papers, concentrating on his geological research and his professional work in mining. They comprise: geological and chemical notes made in Germany and England, 1855; geological notes on New Brunswick, 1855-1856, the copper mines of Upper Telemarken, Norway, 1861, Quebec, 1861-1862, and Eldorado Canyon, Nevada, 1887; laboratory journals and records of results, 1851-1856, 1859-1882, 1884-1889; and letterbooks, notebooks and memoranda on geology, 1863-1899.