The Alphonse M. Schwitalla Manuscript Collection provides insight into some of the concerns of a Catholic medical educator and hospital administrator in the early and mid-twentieth century and reflects the theological study and religious devotion of a dedicated priest. The collection also offers material for the early history of Firmin Desloge Hospital and is a source of information on the military service of Saint Louis University Medical School graduates in World War II. The Bibliography series consists of index cards listing Schwitalla's published articles as of about 1950. The Manuscripts series contains drafts and finished versions of  speeches, articles, and book reviews by Schwitalla while the Works series encompasses copies of his published speeches, articles, and reports. Some of the subjects covered by Schwitalla include medical, dental and nursing education, hospital administration, social hygiene, the career development of physicians, medical ethics, the place of the physician and the hospital in society, government regulation of hospitals and the medical profession, the economics of medicine, social work, and evolution. The Religious Notes series consists of notes on religious themes made by Schwitalla in notebooks, where they were kept alphabetically by topic, in a diary, and on loose pieces of paper. Many of the notes concern themes for retreats. The Condolences series contains messages sent to Schwitalla during his illnesses and gives an idea of the impact the priest had on the personal and professional lives of many medical workers, religious, and friends. The Clippings series offers newspaper and magazine stories about Schwitalla's life and career, including his speeches to several groups, and about the building of Firmin Desloge Hospital. The Hospitals series is especially rich in documentation on Firmin Desloge Hospital, which in 1933 became the main teaching hospital of Saint Louis University. This series covers the planning, building, and daily operation of the institution. Also here is an appreciable amount of material on St. Mary's Hospital in Clayton. The Subject Files series is a catch-all grouping for material that did not seem to fit into any other series. Included here are topics with a connection to Firmin Desloge Hospital, such as Board of Children's Guardians, Crippled Children, and Union Electric Light and Power, as well as subjects such as the evolution controversy, the history of the Saint Louis University Medical School, and the St. Louis Award scheme. The World War II series documents the activities of Saint Louis University Medical School alumni who served in the armed forces during the war. Many photographs, however, are unidentified.