A note at the end of the MS suggests that the text was ‘copié sur l’imprimé de 15 pages in 12.’ An octavo edition of the text is not known, but it is possible that the copyist was referring to a small octavo version. This MS features several variants.

The note, in Voltaire’s hand, is corrected throughout. The anecdote relates to Chapter 18 of the Siècle de Louis XIV (see OCV, vol.13B, p.105-107 and notes).

The title is written in Voltaire’s hand.

The MS is housed with a second document titled ‘Des femmes’ dating to c.1790.

Included in the collection, in Box 53 are two documents relating to Voltaire:

• Autograph copy of ‘Anecdotes sur l’arrivée du corps de Voltaire á Scelliers par Etienne Faireau’ c.1778. This manuscript was previously part of the library of John L. Gerig.
• Photostat of an autograph letter signed from Voltaire to M. Le President [Ami Camp] dated February 1762. The original copy of this letter is in New York Public Library. The photostat was gifted to Columbia University Libraries by H.M. Judson.