Jeanne Julie Éléonore de Lespinasse opens by stating that she encloses a letter from Rousseau that had been recently published, adding that she approves of him having written the letter as it was necessary for his peace of mind and for disdaining the approval and blame of fools or jealous people. She notes that Turgot has surely read his Contract social, adding that it would be imprudent to send a copy but that she saw a copy for sale in the antechamber of M. le Dauphin the other day. She then goes on to discuss her concerns over the fragility of peace before going on to discuss Madame Du Deffand’s opinion of Antoine-Léonard Thomas. She adds that she encloses an epistle from Frederick II of Prussia. Throughout the letter, she quotes heavily from D’Alembert, Frederick II of Prussia, Madame Du Deffand, and Voltaire.

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.

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 been accustomed to all misfortunes, but not yet to that of being entirely abandoned by Thiériot. He says that Madame de Bernières, Madame du Deffand, and the Chevalier Desalleurs should come and see him. To do so, they should just ask permission from Mr. Héraut or Mr. de Maurepas.