The first series of the collection contains Thomas Cope's personal correspondence from 1912-1956. The second series, Mason and Dixon Line Research, consists of historical research, correspondence, and articles written by Cope relating to Charles Mason, Jeremiah Dixon, and their boundary survey. The Research and Writings Series contains Copes articles and notes relating to other topics. Finally, Works by Others contains a few pamphlets on the history of science and teaching, as well as articles written by Provost Edgar Fahs Smith. The collection includes material relating to (among others) the American Association of Physics teachers, the American Physical Society, the Franklin Institute, and the University of Pennsylvania department of physics.