Hodgson used much of his time in both Nepal and Darjeeling in research, wanting to discover and understand about the architecture, languages, ethnography, religion, zoology and botany. He collected specimens and manuscripts, and had many drawings made, which he donated to many collections throughout Europe. He was also politically involved during his Residency in Nepal, and also later in England, when he continued to show an active interest in the Indian subcontinent, particularly regarding trade and vernacular education. These Personal Papers reflect these interests and are a record of much of his activity - Hodgson and his wives seemed to have a need to record all his successes. He was also a keen annotator of material, so that most of the printed material also bears his handwritten comments.

"Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker: A Short Sketch, Together with his Notes on the Botany of the Rocky Mountains". Reprinted from Nature, October 25 1877. The cover has the inscription "With Lady Hooker's best regards". Printed pamphlet with a biography of Hooker by Asa Gray, May 1877, and Hooker's own article on the Botany of the Rocky Mountains. Printed material, 1 item, 1877.

Letter from Joseph Hooker to Brian Houghton Hodgson. He apologises for the paper he is using as all his writing paper has been used up on the accompanying journal which will explain to Hodgson what he has been doing. He writes of his surprise at the geology of the Himalayas and that he has collected rhododendrons and seeds for his father. He is thinking of staying a day or two at Pemiongchi. He writes about [Chamamaya] being a splendid fellow. There is a list of his food requirements and he asks Hodgson to send [Burchess] and Co. if he thinks appropriate. Handwritten, 1 piece, undated [1848-1850].