The contents are as follows: (i) Papers concerning the classical, literary and historical education of Patrick Chalmers (died 1824) (folio 1); (ii) Notes of Patrick Chalmers, Advocate, on Roman law (folio 31); (iii) Papers concerning the legal career of Patrick Chalmers, including his admission papers to the Inner Temple (1758) and the Faculty of Advocates (1762-1763; admitted 1764) (folio 54); (iv) Miscellaneous classical exercises (folio 76); (v) Testimonials in favour of, and academic reports on, members of the Chalmers family, 1793-1865 (folio 100); (vi) Miscellaneous verses and literary pieces (folio 110); (vii) Papers concerning military service (folio 134); (viii) Miscellaneous papers including obituaries and recipes (folio 138); (ix) Season ticket for the Paris exhibition, 1867 (folio 162).