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Series contains correspondence, notes, reports, and grant information. Forbus was convinced that Hodgkin's disease, because of its granulomatous component, was a reaction to injury by an infectious agent. He conducted research in the 1930s and 1940s by soliciting case-based data from other medical institutions; a method well documented in the correspondence of this series. A subject matter expert, he presented multiple lectures on the topic text of which are found in the Manuscripts, Addresses, Speeches, Lectures series in this collection. Forbus' interest in the subject continued through his professional life. Hodgkin's disease and brucella references can be found throughout the collection. Materials date from 1931 to 1957.

Series is organized by conference date. The bulk of the conferences and panel discussions were hosted by Duke School of Medicine. Materials include, but are not limited to, programs, transcripts, and schedules. This series differs from the Organizations series, which also includes conferences, in that that series is almost exclusively national and regional entities. Materials date from 1931 to 1963.

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.