The manuscript, which was compiled between 1861 and 1867, is in several hands besides that of the author, Henry Peter Brougham, and incorporates portions of his journals, memoranda, and letters.
MSS.4767-4770 correspond to volume i, MSS.4771-4774 to volume ii, and MSS.4775-4778 to volume iii of the printed work. MS.4779 consists of manuscript and proofs mostly of appendices and prefatory matter.
Parts of the text are missing at the following places: between MS.4767 and MS.4768; between folios 116 and 117 of MS.4773; and between folios 139 and 140 of MS.4775.