Series is organized alphabetically by name with a corresponding autopsy number when present. Records include correspondence, reports, notes, reprints, photos, x-ray films, and notes among other items. The medico-legal work done in the Duke Pathology department was in collaboration with Duke's law school. These records contain evidence of Wiley D. Forbus' private medico-legal pathological work. A quote from a February 24, 1953 letter from W. D. Forbus regarding case #6969, "services I have rendered in this case are a strictly personal nature...do not involve in any way whatsoever...Duke Hospital..." this does not seem to be the norm within the series. Forbus' experiences in medico-legal work likely influenced his lobbying to change the North Carolina Coroner's system. The records relating to that legislation are found in the Organizations and Committees Series. Surgical pathological cases were relegated to the Restricted Series when necessary under HIPAA guidelines. Graphic images and content are noted on folder tabs when possible. Materials date from 1931 to 1967.