The records of the Essex Southern District Medical Society document the administrative functions of the Society including minutes of meetings, correspondence, membership, library activities, and financial papers. The material spans the years 1786 to 1970, however, the bulk of the records occur between 1805 and 1905.

The two volumes of minutes record the proceedings of the Society from 1805 to 1893. At the beginning of Volume 1 is a copy of the Society's charter and initial subscription list of money contributions and books donated to the library. The folder of proceedings and assessments contains official letters to the Society's parent body communicating the minutes of their meetings and yearly assessments of its members. Correspondence of the Society includes refusal of offices, a eulogy for Dr. Coleman, attempts to collect on membership dues, and letters concerning state policies on vaccines, drunkenness, and consumption.

The folder of membership reflects the procedures involved in joining the Society. Although any physician residing within the district was eligible to become a member, he had to submit an application. If his medical degree was received from a college not accredited by the Society he underwent an exam and review by the Board of Censors. Hence within the folder of membership there are lists of accredited colleges, samples of Censor's exams, petitions for admittance to the Society and rejections of applicants. In addition there are also letters dispossessing individuals of their membership.

The library, a major function of the Society, is represented by a folder of subscription lists and receipts and two record books. The folder includes subscription lists which record pledges of books and money and bills and receipts for books and journals purchased by the Society. Also filed here is a 1904 report of the Library Committee. The Librarian's Record Books primarily contain circulation records. Volume 1 also contains an inventory of books, listing title and price, and an account of books and instruments purchased. The last leaf of Volume 1 is a list of agreed upon charges, dated January 4, 1814, and signed by Salem's twelve physicians.

The folder of miscellaneous records contains the charger of the Society, notices of meetings, nominations for officers, and several bulletins for the 1905 Centennial Meeting.