Voltaire discusses the article ‘Mânne’ in the Encyclopedia noting that he thinks it is good, if a bit rabbanistic, and that the philosophers and the curious should be content with it. He adds, however, that an apothecary would have said more, knowing that a fat mânne was better than a meagre one. Voltaire then writes that he is very sorry to be in Lausane when d’Alembert’s Téologal is at Geneva, noting that they say the lake can be seen again this winter, and wondering if they could bring the comedy to Lausanne. He then asks d’Alembert to pass on his regards to Madame du Deffand and [Charles-Jean-François] Hénault.

Voltaire writes that he has just witnessed the death of a friend of twenty years who was very fond of Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand. He notes that the cause of death was childbirth, addinf that the little girl who had been born did not interest him. Voltaire then discusses his despair, adding that when he arrives in Paris from Cirey he hopes to meet with Deffand and discuss their deceased friend.

Voltaire opens by noting that the Marquise has not acknowledged receipt of packages that he sent to her. He states that she needs to become acquainted with the war between rats and frogs, noting that Jean-Jacques Le Franc de Pompignan wanted to succeed Charles-Jean-François Hénault in the office of superintendent to the Queen whilst also being tutor to the children of France, or to put his brother in this position. He suggests that the brothers planned to arm the government against all those they accuse of being philosophers, to have him excluded from the academy, and to have the Bishop of Pui elected in his place so as to purify the desecrated space. Voltaire remarks that he laughed at this and thanks God that he laughs at everything, adding that he only said one word from which sprung twenty pamphlets. He notes that at the same time, La comédia des philosophes was performed, and asks if the Marquise was involved in the piece, noting that he will absolve her if she confesses her guilt. He then turns to the Marquise’s reading habits, telling her to read Le pauvre diable and Le russe à Paris. Voltaire notes that she has been reading Élie Catherine Fréron’s works, which he claims is proof both that she loves reading and that she does not hate rat and frog fights. He concludes by answering the Marquise’s question of what she could do for fun, telling him to come to his house where new pieces are performed, they laugh at the absurdities of Paris, and Théodore Tronchin cures people who have eaten too much.

Voltaire begins by saying that he has so far confined himself to a tacit admiration of Charles Jean-Baptiste Fleuriau, comte de Morville’s management of the public affairs of Europe, but that he can no longer withhold his sincere compliments on the wisdom of de Morville’s conduct. Voltaire then invites the comte to dine with Dean Swift and Charles-Jean-François Hénault.

Voltaire writes that Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand’s memory and kindness give him many regrets, adding that he is like an enchanted knight reminded of their country in the Palace of Alcine. Voltaire then discusses his leaving Paris, noting that his life now is happy as he free to think, write, and say what he pleases in Potsdam. He adds that he is fortunate to eat strawberries, peaches, grapes, and pineapples in January. Voltaire then notes that he misses du Deffand, d’Alembert, and President Henaut, and asks du Deffand not to show this letter to anyone but the two aforementioned men. He briefly discusses the opinions of the Sorbonne towards Buffon.

Voltaire opens by saying that when he asked Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand to urge her friends to speak to Maurepas, it was not for fear that it would do him harm. He turns to the recent appearance of some scandalous letters, asking if the duchesse du Maine is angry that he put Newton above Descartes, or if the duchesse de Villars will react badly to his treatment of her innate ideas as chimeras. He then turns to the Jansenists, whom he says want him to burn for certain of his theological ideas that he published whilst in London. He adds that his English publisher found him very moderate. He goes on to say that he had thought to leave France forever when he gave Tiriot permission two years ago to print this work, and that he has since changed his mind, adding that it is unfortunate that the letters appear in France when he most wants to stay there. He concludes by saying that he does not know if he will return to France. He asks her to send any letters for him to Paris opposite St Gervais as they will find him, asking that she marks her letter (for example with ‘DD’) so that he can easily identify which letters come from her.

Voltaire discusses an invitation he received from the Prussian envoy Ammon to travel, adding that he has promised to stay with him briefly until September. He speaks highly of Frederick II of Prussia, noting that he has never seen such a hard-working man. Voltaire then turns to some publications of his works, adding that one should only write about kings what is worthy of posterity, and that he thinks the Paris edition is better than that of Rouen. Voltaire notes that he continues work on the Siècle de Louis XIV. He ends by advising du Deffand not to eat too much and not to be disgusted with life.

A commonplace book comprised mainly of copies of letters or texts by literary personalities such as letters from Voltaire and Frederick II of Prussia, and texts from Boufflers and President Hénault. A table of contents suggests that the commonplace book features:
-Deux cahiers du P. Henault
-La Reine de Golionde
-Quelques lettres de Voltaire
-Reponse à une critique d’Heloise
-Pensées et extraits
A number of entries have been written by Lespinasse. of Prussia, and texts from Boufflers and President Hénault. A table of contents suggests that the commonplace book features:
-Deux cahiers du P. Henault
-La Reine de Golionde
-Quelques lettres de Voltaire
-Reponse à une critique d’Heloise
-Pensées et extraits
A number of entries have been written by Lespinasse.