The diaries mainly contain detailed notes of her reading and studies (including Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic and some Hindi), with an index of books read, at the end of each volume. From 1836 there is more information about her (and her husband's) daily activities. There is a list of books in 'My little room', 1838, in MS. Eng. misc. e. 1576, pp. 139-141, and a list of children's books, 1840, in MS. Eng. misc. e. 1578, pp. 140-142. The diaries are written in The student's journal, 7th-11th ed. (John Taylor, London), except for 1839, written in The private diary, 4th ed. (Taylor & Hessey, London); red half calf, marbled boards and flyleaves.