This series is comprised of several articles and clippings about Ellen Swallow Richards and her pioneering work in home economics and in chemistry, particularly as applied to water purification.

This series contains letters from U.S. citizens regarding Richards' work in the home economics field, as well as correspondence on various subjects from professional colleagues. A significant amount of correspondence pertains to the Association of Collegiate Alumnae.

The series is comprised of typescripts, notes, published articles, and books relating to Richards' advocacy of higher education for women, to her study of water pollution and purification, and to her work in developing the field of home economics.