Binney, a native of Boston, and son of Amos Binney, a founder of the Boston Society of Natural History, was a conchologist specializing in land shells. He made many important contributions to the literature in his field. Early in life he moved to Burlington, N. J., where most of his work was done.

This collection contains Binney's personal copy of his Manual of American Land Shells, in which are inserted many descriptive clippings, 17 extra figures—some of them original watercolors, and with over 100 pages containing annotations by the author. Included also are 3 letters, all to H. A. Pilsbry, 1893-94, inserted in various volumes in the library.