The scientific papers pertain to physics, astronomy, electricity, telegraphy, optics, and weights and measures. Included with the papers are letters from leading scientists of the day, Lane's account books, and logs. The personal letters, most of which are from members of Lane's family, contain good biographical material. There are also some genealogical records and unidentified photographs; one of the photographs is by Brady, the famous Civil War photographer. The papers are arranged by subject, with a calendar of the papers at the beginning of the series. The calendar does not include the personal letters, genealogical records, and papers written by Lane while he was a student at Philips Exeter Academy and Yale University; these records are at the end of the series.