The correspondence contains writings on political, philosophical, and literary matters, as well as discussions of various figures such as Voltaire, Jean Le Rond d’Alembert, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

The letter discusses Jean Le Rond d’Alembert’s appointment to Berlin, Voltaire, Laurent Angliviel de La Beaumelle, and a depiction of the Prussian court published in Paris.

Whether the essays were written to support the author’s theological studies, as material to be presented in convocations, or in response to the scientific revelations or debates of the time is unclear; however, a reader with initials “J.W.M” read, notated, and provided short comments on the contents. Cilley provided a few ink drawings, including a chart showing the geologic strata and time periods, as well as an image of the human heart. Many essays contain citations to theological writings of the period. Among the many philosophers and writers covered are Aristotle, Benedict Spinoza, Thomas Hobbes, d’Alembart, Diderot, Voltaire, Alexander Pope, David Hume, Hugh Miller, and Enoch Pond.

Hannah more begins by discussing Tom Paine’s pamphlet, noting that all the bold blasphemies of Voltaire, David Hume, d’Alembert, Bolingbroke, Helveticus etc. are brought together in it.

In 1863, Dupanloup opposed the condidacy of Emile Littré due to his atheism and prevented his election to l’Académie française. In 1871, Littré was again a candidate and this time was elected, angering Dupanloup who then resigned. He was encouraged to reconsider his resignation by [François] Guizot and composed this letter in 1872 to explain his reasons for resigning. He notes that he still feels that the election of Littré was a ‘very regretable error’ on the part of l’Académie française before discussing their election of atheists in the past. Dupanloup first turns to Voltaire, whom he calls a ‘great wrecker’, adding that he thought it clever to wage war on Christianity and hide in l’Académie française behing auxiliaries more advanced than himself, and that Voltaire tried to get his fellow atheists [Denis] Diderot, [Claude Adrien] Helvétius, and [Paul-Henri Thiry] Baron D’Holbach elected as well but failed to succeed despite putting pressure on [Jean le Rond] D’Alembert. He notes that Voltaire had counted on the protection of Madame de Pompadour but that she could not help. He concludes that l’Académie française did not allow itself to be undermined by atheism in the eighteenth century and those that claimed to be Professors of Atheism, such as [Pierre Jean Georges] Cabanis and [François-Joseph-Victor] Broussais were never able to break through, and that this was one more reason for him to believe that he had to resign.

Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand begins the letter by stating that she will respect Voltaire as a king. She then turns to her poor health, noting that she has taken infusions of linden, chamomile, and white broth. She adds that old age would be bearable is she had someone to talk to, but that it seems to her that all men are madmen or beasts. The Marquise then questions whether or not she is both of those things, noting that she tells herself that she is like those who have Jaundice and see everything yellow. She then turns to her acquaintances, writing that she sees D’Alembert often and, like Voltaire, finds him very witty. She also adds that the president is well, that his taste for the world is not weakening, and that he is much sought after because he is very friendly despite becoming deaf. She advises Voltaire to address his letters and stories to Étienne François de Choiseul, assuring him that by doing so they will reach her. The Marquise concludes by discussing her current displeasure with reading, remarking that boredom overcomes her for what little good reasoning and truth is contained within a book is all too often drowned in a jumble of eloquence and academic style, inclining her more towards the Bibliothèque bleue.

Voltaire, describing himself as the sick man of Ferney, writes that he believes from a letter sent by the trio that the Count de Rochefort and the old woman ‘Madame dix neuf ans’ will soon be in either Paris or Vandoeuvre as the letter was sent to him from Macon. He writes that he told the travellers that they would not see ‘The Laws of Minos’ because they will be in their quarters when it will be presented. He begs them not to show the ‘Laws’ to anyone other than D’Alembert because, he notes, one must always expect the worst from frivolous, troubled, and mean spirits. He further notes that the copy they have is very incorrect and it will be necessary to redo two pages and, as there are those that seek only to do harm, he asks that they keep the ‘Laws’ private. He concludes by saying that Marie-Louis Denis [née Mignot] [née Mignot] respectfully thanks Madame dix neuf ans/

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 begins with a discussion of suicide, before turning to the health of his recipient and himself. He notes that the marquise has lost two eyes but has retained friends, wit, imagination, and a good stomach. He, on the other hand, is much older, can’t digets, is going deaf, and is being made blind by the snows of Mont Jura. Voltaire adds that he can neither stay in nor leave Ferney, noting that he has wanted to found a colony there and establish two fine watch factories. He then discusses his financial woes, concluding that he will not kill himself and noting that philosophy is good for something- it consoles. He then discusses his desire to please the recipient’s grandmother and her husband and die as their vassal. He briefly remarks on the visits of Mr. Seguier and Mr. d’Alembert before bidding the marquise farewell.

Jean le Rond d’Alembert writes that in 1746 or 1747 he gave to the Académie royale des sciences two or three mémoireson the orbit of the moon. He notes that he has not printed these as he has since producedsomething better on the same subject but that he would like either the original memoirs or copies of them returned to him along with the precise dates of when they were discussed. He apologises for the trouble this may cause the General Secretary, but asks that the mémoiresare sent as soon as possible via the post, adding that the General Secretary needs not worry about the postage price that Jean le Rond d’Alembert will pay. He adds that he thinks it would be good for at least one copy of the mémoires to remain in the Académie’s archives.