Volume used as a daybook, scrapbook, and letter book, as well as for other miscellaneous purposes, by William L. Simers, a physician and apothecary who operated the Cullenian Medicine Store at 98 Cherry Street in New York City. Simers appears to have specialized in the sale of medicine chests to ships; as a physician he emphasized his skill in treating venereal diseases.

The newspaper clippings date from 1798 and extend to about 1805. Many are newspaper advertisements for Simers' store or for sales of land he owned in Pennsylvania. In addition, there are clippings of poetry, essays and political news. The daybook entries begin about 1802 and continue to 1810; many are obscured by clippings. They largely relate to the sale and purchase of drugs, though charges for Simers' services as a physician are occasionally recorded. The drafts of letters are from the years 1808-1810. They are entirely of a business nature and often relate to the recovery of debts owed to Simers.