Voltaire discusses the article ‘Mânne’ for the Encyclopédie. He notes that the article seems quite good to him, and that the philosophs and the curious can be happy with it. Voltaire notes, however, that a good apothecary would have said more and demonstrated the superiority of ‘mânne grasse’ over ‘mânne maigre’.

He then goes on to say that he is very happy to be in Lausanne when d’Alemberts theologian is in Geneva. He remarks upon d’Alembert’s saying that he might see the lake again this winter, noting that he should come and bring Diderot with him so that they may play his Les Fils naturel.

Voltaire ends by asking d’Alembert to tell Madame Du Deffand that he is thinking of her even though he does not write, and to pass on his compliments to President Henault.

Beman opens by saying that he is enclosing a bill for £50 16s for books that he has already sent to Caldwell. He adds that he has recently published two new editions ‘under his own Eye’. The first if an edition of Voltaire’s complete works. the second is the Dictionnaire Encyclopédique

Voltaire begins by noting that he is sending back the article ‘Histoire’ for the Encyclopédie (as he promised to do in D7093). He states that he is afraid it is too long as it is a subject upon which it is difficult not to write a book. He then asks if d’ Alembert has an ‘idole’ and ‘idolâtre’, noting that this is a subject they have not yet discussed, noting his dislike for idols and discussing the ways in which people have treated wood and stone as if they were saints. He concludes that the subject is delicate but contains many good truths. Voltaire ends by asking how d’ Alembert has time to read his letter when the dictionary of the universe rests in his arms, sending him best wishes for the new year from himself and Marie-Louise Denis.

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.

The letter begins with and extract from d’Alembert’s entry on Geneva describing Hell. In the extract, d’Alembert writes that Hell is no longer given such importance by several ministers in Geneva because they claim that it would be an insult to the Divinity if we imagine that God, being full of goodness and justice, could be capable of punishing our offences with eternal torments. These ministers, d’Alembert claims, explain as best they can the passages in the Bible that are directly contrary to their opinion and claim that in the Holy Scriptures nothing should be taken literally if it seems to go against humanity and reason. He concludes by writing that these ministers will only believe in punishment in the afterlife that is temporary, i.e. Purgatory (a matter that had divided the Protestant and Catholic faiths), noting that this is another item to add to the history of human contradictions. Voltaire then comments on this text, writing that it is the main article that Geneva is watching. He adds that it is a little stiff and that the reception of it is mixed but that d’Alembert just has to laugh because the people of Geneva are happy and everyone must be. Voltaire notes that they will no longer fight for ‘Omousios’, or consubstantiality, because the fashion has passed. He ends by saying that all that must be done is to eat bread in the shade of a fig tree while elsewhere you slaughter for the interests of two or three princes.

The author notes that the Library of San Giorgio contains copy of a rare book on military architecture by [?] Franceri de Marché, published 1559. They make notes on the location and conditions of paintings, manuscripts and sculpture in Venice, mentioning efforts being made for preservation. They then comment on the Venetian government’s apparent intention to abolish every order of monks in the state and the new roads around Turin. The author describes a visit to Voltaire in Geneva, writing that Voltaire is ‘now employed about a Dictionnaire Encyclopedia. It has got to the letter B’. They conclude with a discussion of their return journey along Loire, noting the industries they encounter and describing a visit to Fontainbleau.

Gabriel-Henri Gaillard humbly thanks the recipient for the case of Mr. de Voltaire, adding that he has no doubt that they will not receive Voltaire’s thanks also because it seems to him that ‘what you have the kindness to answer me is precisely what he asks.’ Also included is a receipt for the deliveries of volumes 46 to 60 of the Encyclopedia dated 26 January 1797.

Rousseau comments on matrimony (Vernes is about to marry) and sends Vernes his good wishes. He writes that he hopes to see a copy of the Genevan edition of his article, ‘Economie politique’ from the ‘Encyclopédie’, promoted by Vernes, and adds that Voltaire has not written to acknowledge Rousseau’s ‘Lettre à d’Alembert’. Roussea goes on to say that Tronchin’s letter contained judicious criticisms of his work, and that he has not forgotten Vernes’ request but has little time for writing due to poor health and has to both reply to thousands of letters and entertain visitors. He notes that he hopes to send Vernes his text, ‘De l’imitation théâtrale’, soon.

Voltaire writes that he and Madame de Fontaine have been discussing what becomes of the soul after death, but hopes to remain in ignorance for some time yet. He asks d’Alembert to send him the articles from the encyclopedia, if he has them, a little in advance because ‘a patient is not always the master of his moments’. Voltaire notes that he is very unhappy with the ‘story article’ because he wanted to show the different literary styles appropriate for a variety of different writings. He states, however, that he was in a hurry, ill, and overwhelmed by ‘this accursed general story that you know.’ Voltaire goes on to say that he does not know the dictionary [of which, presumably, d’Alembert had spoke] because he did not subscribe to it. Instead, he says that he will buy it when it is finished but quickly adds that he will probably be dead by the time it is done and so asks d’Alembert to suggest that Briasson sends him the printed volumes and Voltaire will give him a bill of exchange on his notary. Voltaire then discusses the articles on theology and metaphysics, saying that they pain his heart and that it is very cruel to print the opposite of what one thinks. He notes that he is angry that people still write dissertations and give particular opinions on recognised truths as he would prefer to know the definition and origin of words with examples. Voltaire concludes by apologising, claiming to be ‘a talker who says what he should have done and didn’t do anything worthwhile’, and ends by saying that if d’Alembert was featured in a dictionary he would be defined as ‘the most amiable of men.’