Copy of a letter from Voltaire to Martin Folkes, written from Paris and dated 25 November 1743 [D2890]
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CMV37436
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MM/15/10
Title:
Copy of a letter from Voltaire to Martin Folkes, written from Paris and dated 25 November 1743 [D2890]
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Incipit Diplomatic:
Incipit Modernised:
Sir, one of my strongest desires was to be naturalised in England
In Voltaire’s Hand:
No
Brief Summary:
Copy of a letter from Voltaire to Martin Folkes, written from Paris and dated 25 November 1743.
Detailed Summary:
Voltaire notes that his strongest desire was to be naturalised in England, and that the Royal Society, prompted by Folkes, have given him that great honour. He lists the English writes who have influenced him: Shakespeare, Addison, Dryden, and Pope, and adds that he also entered into the ‘temple of philosophy’ where he admired the ‘altar of Newton’. Voltaire states that he was so bold as to introduce Newton into France, but that in doing so he became not only a confessor to his faith but a martyr also. He then turns to press, bemoaning and satirising its restrictions, and noting that the Royal Society has rewarded him for his sufferings. He ends by paying his respect to the brethren of the Royal Society and stating his desire to cross the sea in order to give them his ‘hearty thanks’.
The Royal Society dates the letter to 29 November 1743, however Besterman instead gives the date as 25 November 1743.
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Physical Description
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Extent:
2 ff.
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History
Date:
25 November 1743
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Origin (transcript):
Paris
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