Each card represents an entry in the biographical glossary for one particular person and gives the individual's name in romanised form; name in Chinese characters, the dynasty in which he or she flourished; date of birth and death, where known, or flourit; the field of achievement; references to biographical dictionaries or other sources. (See SCC2/388/2/1 for more information).
There was also an additional, probably earlier, series of cards, all for scientists covered by the main index, but many with different/additional information. These have been filed at the front of the main index.