This letter relates to Joseph Needham's application to become a member of the Athenaeum (a non-partisan club, with close connections to the learned societies, located in Pall Mall, London). The file includes an envelope addressed to 'Dr J. and Dr. N. Needham F.R.S., 1 Owlstone Road, Newnham, Cambridge' and 10 Chinese stamps. The initial N. is probably a mistake for D.M.
The envelope may be written in a different hand, and the Chinese stamps may not be connected with the letter. The letter has the handwritten number 15a on the back and the envelope has the handwritten number 15b.