Most of the letters are written from Quarry Hill, Reigate.
The letters concern Agnes Robertson’s work in Ethel Sargant’s laboratory in the grounds of her mother’s house, Quarry Hill. A R started working there in 1897 (work which she undertook during the vacations while studying at University College London then Newnham College Cambridge, and for a year after university). In addition to the practical arrangements for and discussion of A R’s work in the laboratory, the subject matter of these letters establishes a pattern for future correspondence. A R sends papers to E S for comment; there is much discussion of well-known figures in academic botany and discussion too of the latest theories, of papers read and of those published in journals. Interspersed throughout is E S’s advice to A R about her work (particularly research) and her life in general, as well as family news, descriptions of holidays, and health issues.
E S reports on a trip to laboratories in Europe (28 November 1897), and on experimental photography in the laboratory; she advises A R on her Cambridge entrance - Newnham over Girton because science is better taught and equipped (13 March and 7 April 1898 ); prepares her for visits to both colleges; discusses choice of course (21 November 1898), and during 1899-90 gives much advice on study methods, research, and also use of leisure. During early 1901, E S begins a discussion on double fertilisation, work she is proposing to undertake with A R over the summer; there is also discussion of E S’s paper on research, written for the Girton Review. Later in the year there is sympathy and advice on the death of A R’s mother, and towards the end of 1901, the offer of a post as a research assistant when (with E S’s support) A R turns down a teaching post at the North London Collegiate. In April 1902, there is a long letter concerning E S’s theory of the origin of monocotyledons.
Tucked into the file are three letters from Agnes Robertson to her parents (two to her mother, one to both parents) 1897-1901. They all concern Ethel Sargant and are not included in the numbered sequence.