Frederick remarks upon how busy he is, claiming that many matters require his attention at present. He goes on to note that he will no longer be shocked after what he has witnessed during this monstrous century, writing that his books from Berlin are his only consolation. Frederick then mentions the works he has been reading, notably Charles Batteux’s Les Beaux-arts réduites à un même principe (1746), before discussing a series of literary figures including Nicolas Boileau, Virgil, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Jean Racine, Homer, Pierre Corneille, Joseph de La Grange Chancel, Claude-Prosper Jolyot de Crébillon, and Voltaire.

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.

The commonplace book features quotations from numerous individuals, including: Duclos, Moneril, Fontenelle, Marivaux, Corbillon, La Chaussée, Dufresni, Crebillon, and Voltaire.

Voltaire writes that his dear friend Radamiste’s father has trimmed his nails a little but he still has enough left, for which he asks Moncrif to thank him. He adds that he expects to see Moncrif at the rehearsal tomorrow and that it will be good for them to have friends to silence the clever ones and enlighten the fools who would only see the resemblance to Houdard de La Motte’s Issé. If they can successfully navigate this pitfall, Voltaire writes, he thinks that they can count on a very great success. Voltaire concludes by writing that he thinks Moncrif will think about having ‘Mr le génie’ dress differently when he returns to the Alcidon.