The front cover begins at the top with the title "Ransom's Family Receipt Book" written in black lettering against an orange background. Below, the phrase "Free To Everyone" is listed plus the publisher information. The back cover begins at the top with a calendar for the year 1880 and continues with information for D. Ransom, Son & Co.and Dr. Van Naten. The front end page is titled "Consumption" and continues with a lengthy paragraph describing Dr. Ransom's medicines that are available and their uses. The rest of the inside pages are dedicated to various receipts that fall under the categories of side-dishes, relishes, pies, puddings, desserts, bread, cake, preserves, jellies, and pickles. All receipts entail the ingredients needed plus detailed directions on how to prepare the dish. There are also two pages listing "Woolen Goods" and "Cotton Goods." The back end page consists of an index to receipts of different years such as 1877, 1878, and 1879.