The Esther Snitker Bechtel papers date from 1938 to 1940 and measure 7.5 linear inches. The papers mostly contain class notes written by Bechtel while attending the State University of Iowa School of Nursing. These notes are organized by class subjects associated with the School of Nursing including: Gynecology, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Foods, Physiology, Pharmacology, Otolaryngology, Ophthalmology, History of Nursing, Bacteriology, Anatomy, Gastroenterology, Operating Room Technique, Urology, Ethics, Nursing Arts, Surgery, Principles and Practice of Nursing, Physical Therapy, Sociology, Dietetics, Social Disease, Urology, Tuberculosis, Hygiene, Communicable Disease, Gynecology, Otolaryngology Nursing, Orthopedics, Laboratory Technique, Aseptic Technique, and Medical Diseases. Most of these notes are handwritten on lined paper and bound by string. The collection also includes a nursing manual titled: "Social Hygiene Nursing Techniques: A Manual of Procedure in the Diagnosis Treatment and Public Health Control of Syphilis and Gonorrhea" by Nadine B. Geitz. Biographical materials documenting Esther Snitker Bechtel's life and education are also included in this collection.