This physician's activities in Philadelphia were spread chiefly among three organizations, the University of Pennsylvania, the Zoological Society and the Academy of Natural Sciences, in all of which he held various offices. Although publishing his research in many fields of biology and natural science, his speciality was fossil shells. His drawings on stone illustrated much of the American Journal of Conchology.

The papers consist of one letter to Samuel G. Dixon, 1901 and three letters from Mrs. Hannah M. Chapman (widow) to Edward J. Nolan concerning biographical material, 1909.