This collection mainly consists of private papers and correspondence, 1885-1954, and family papers, 1783-1963. The material, especially the ministerial and ambassadorial papers, collected together by David Geddes provides an insight into the 1910s and 1920s. The collection also includes Geddes' writings on medical, spiritual and military matters.

The papers include: records of the International Health Board, and on Rose's work against disease; records of the International Education Board; diaries and personal correspondence; a small amount of material on the League of Nations Health Organisation and World Health Organisation; records of Rose's establishment of the Southern United States Education System; material on the founding of schools of Public Health and Hygiene.