The MS forms part of a recueil created by Antoine-René d’Argenson, marquis de Paulmy in the eighteenth century. Also included in the volume are:

• De l’examen de la religion
• Réflexion sur l’existence de l’âme et sur l’existence de Dieu
• Traité de la liberté, divisé en quatre parties
• Réflexions sur l’argument de M. Pascal et de M. Locke, concernant la possibilité d’une autre vie à venir
• Sentiments des philosophes sur la nature de l’âme

Fernand Caussy itemises this notebook as follows:

1. Autograph notes titled ‘Pour la fontaine sur laquelle on devait figurer la R[eine] A[nne] et M[arlborough]’. This phrase, actually a note in the margin, is written in Voltaire’s hand. Extent: 1 f. Foliation: 1 f.
2. Autograph notes titled ‘Rem[arques] hist[oriques]’. The title is written in Voltaire’s hand and the extent is 1 f. Foliation: 2.
3. Autograph draft of an essay ‘Note sur l’Afrique et les voyages vers la Chine’. Extent: 1 f. Foliation: 3.
4. Autograph draft of Chapter CXLI from l’Essai sur les mœurs titled ‘Minute autographe du chapitre CXLI de l’Essai sur les mœurs‘. The incipit reads ‘Jusqu’ici nous n’avons guère vu que des hommes dont l’ambition se disputait la terre, ou troublait la terre connue’, and the extent is 1 f. In this chapter, Voltaire explores human ambition for exploration and discovery, focusing on expeditions related to the compass and featuring notable figures such as Flavio Gioja and Nicholas of Lynn, among others. Voltaire also examines the discoveries of Prince Henry the Navigator, including Madeira Island and reflects on Africa, addressing differences between white individuals and people of colour. Additionally, the author considers figurative rather than scientistic portrayal of astral poles in Dante’s Divine Comedy, as well as the expeditions of Vasco da Gama and other Portuguese explorers. Foliation: 4.
5. Autograph draft titled ‘Notes sur les voyages des Portugais’. The manuscript consists of Voltaire’s Notes on Portuguese Travels, related to his work l’Essai sur les mœurs, published in 1756. OCV manuscript description: 26A, ‘MSL’, p.xxv-xxvi. OCV Reference: 26A. The extent is 2 ff., with the foliation 5v-6.
6. Autograph draft of Chapter CXLV from l’Essai sur les mœurs titled ‘Minute du chapitre CXLV de l’Essai sur les mœurs‘. In this chapter, Voltaire discusses the expedition of Christopher Columbus, highlighting the challenges of securing sponsorships, including failed attempts in England, Portugal and France, before finally gaining support from Spain under Queen Isabella I of Castile. The chapter details Columbus’ discovery of the Santo Domingo Islands, the Caribbean, and Jamaica, amongst others, and explores his resourcefulness in addressing the scepticism and jealousy of his critics. Voltaire also discusses Amerigo Vespucci and his expeditions, as well as the indigenous peoples of the Americas, their physical characteristics, customs, and interactions with the Spaniards. The chapter concludes with a discussion of America’s flora and fauna, as well as the Columbian Exchange, the laws regulating Spanish trade and the disadvantages of the Columbian expeditions, including Spanish emigration driven by colonisation and the spread of infections, to mention a few. The incipit reads ‘C’est à ces découvertes des Portugais dans l’ancien monde.’ OCV manuscript description: 26A, ‘MSL’, p.xxv-xxvi. OCV Reference: 26A, p.189-206.
7. Autograph draft titled ‘Notes sur les îles du Pacifique’. The manuscript contains Voltaire’s handwritten notes on the Pacific Islands, likely referenced and incorporated in his l’Essai sur les mœurs. OCV manuscript description: 26A, ‘MSL’, p.xxv-xxvi. OCV Reference: 26A. Extent: 1 f. Foliation: .7v.
8. Autograph draft titled ‘Suite du chapitre CXLV’. For the manuscript description, see OCV, vol.26A, ‘MSL’, p.xxv-xxvi. Extent: 6 ff. Foliation: f.8-13.
9. Autograph draft of Chapter CXLVIII from l’Essai sur les mœurs, titled ‘Minute du chapitre CXLVII de l’Essai sur les mœurs‘. The incipit reads ‘Ce fut de l’île de Cuba que partit Fernand Cortez pour de nouvelles…’. OCV Reference: 26A, p.233-245. OCV manuscript description: 26A, ‘MSL’, p.xxv-xxvi.
10. Autograph draft titled ‘Notice sur le Brésil’. The manuscript is a draft in Voltaire’s hand capturing his reflections on Brazil. It appears to be based on Chapter CL, titled ‘Du Brésil’, from l’Essai sur les mœurs. In Chapter CL, titled ‘Du Brésil’, Voltaire offers his reflections on Brazil, discussing its discovery, climate, inhabitants, traditions and customs. He explores the carnal desires of its people, governed more by instinct than by intellect or law, the role of the state, and the country’s natural resources, including precious metals. Voltaire also examines the impact of European colonisers from Portugal, Spain and Holland. OCV manuscript description: 26A, ‘MSL’, p.xxv-xxvi. OCV Reference: 26A, p.257-262. Date c.1756. Extent: 1 f. Foliation: f.20.
11. Autograph draft titled ‘Notice sur les établissements des Anglais et des Français en Amérique’. The manuscript is an autograph draft containing Voltaire’s reflections on the English and French Establishments in America. Written in his own hand, it likely served as preparatory material for ‘Chapter CLI’ from l’Essai sur les mœurs. In ‘Chapter CLI’, Voltaire discusses the French colonisation efforts in America, comparing them with those of their Spanish and English rivals. The chapter features historical figures, such as Admiral Gaspard II de Coligny and John Calvin, and references notable locations, including Eldorado, Cayenne islands and Florida. Voltaire also discusses the spread of religion by Spanish and French missionaries, the governance, laws, traditions and indigenous peoples of Canada, and the practice of anthropophagy in the region. Additionally, he mentions Acadia and Louisiana, concluding with speculative advantages and disadvantages of establishing French settlers in Louisiana. Date: c.1756. Extent: 2 ff. Foliation: f.20v-21. OCV manuscript description: 26A, ‘MSL’, p.xxv-xxvi/ OCV Reference: 26A, p.263-275.
12. Autograph draft titled ‘Notice sur le voyage de Magellan’. The manuscript is an autograph draft of reflections on the Magellan expedition, written in Voltaire’s hand. It is likely a preparatory work for Chapter CXLIX from l’Essai sur les mœurs. In Chapter CXLIX, Voltaire discusses the Magellan expedition, particularly focusing on the Mariana Islands. He elaborates on the islands’ local produce, vegetarian diet, housing, and religious practices. The chapter also features historical figures, such as Don Henri and Pope Alexander VI, and concludes with a brief discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of colonialism. Date: c.1756. Extent: 1 f. Foliation: f.22. OCV manuscript description: 26A, ‘MSL’, p.xxv-xxvi. OCV Reference: 26A, P.247-252.
13. Autograph notes titled ‘Remarques historiques’, containing historical observations. It likely served as a preparatory material for l’Essai sur les mœurs. Date: c.1756. OCV Manuscript description: 26A, ‘MSL’, p.xxv-xxvi. OCV Reference: 26A. Extent: 9 ff. Foliation: f.22v-30.
14. Autograph draft of the ‘Chapter on the Arts’ from l’Essai sur les mœurs, titled ‘Minute du Chapitre des arts de l’Essai sur les mœurs’.

    In this chapter, Voltaire explores a wide range of arts and sciences, including architecture, sculpture, poetry, theatre, astronomy, and geometry. He reflects on their origins in both Europe and Asia, focusing on regions such as Greece, Asia Minor, the Middle East, Persia, and Arabia. Voltaire also provides a thorough analysis of the Persian author Avicenna, as well as discussions on the Persian, Latin, and Italian languages.

    The chapter highlights some of the most renowned authors, including Dante, Homer, Virgil, Petrarch, Ariosto, Shakespeare, Lope de Vega, and Boccaccio. Voltaire offers a close analysis of Dante’s Divine Comedy before going on to discuss the development of Italian and Spanish comedies from the 14th century. He then turns to the subject of tragedies, discussing prominent tragedians such as Torquato Tasso and Gian Giorgio Trissino, as well as pastoral comedies.

    Reproductions: Photocopy, 27, ‘Le Chapitre des Arts’, p.274-275, p.297. Date: c.1756. Extent: 41 ff. Foliation: f.31-71. The incipit reads’ Depuis les inondations des barbares en Europe, on sait que les beaux-arts furent ensevelis sous les ruines de l’empire d’Occident.’ OCV manuscript description: 27, p.xxiii. OCV reference: 27, p.261-335.

15. 59v is an autograph draft, whose incipit reads ‘Depuis le sac de Rome, l’Etat ecclésiastique fut, comme l’Elide, tranquille au milieu des guerres, l’Etat de Venise en paix, etc.’

The modernised incipit reads ‘Depuis le sac de Rome, l’État ecclésiastique fut, comme l’Élide, tranquille au milieu des guerres, l’État de Venise en paix, etc.’

The copy was made from the 1752 English edition of the work, published in London for J. Nourse under the title: An essay on universal history, the manners, and spirit of nations: From the reign of Charlemagne to the age of Louis XIV. The copy is undated.

The text corresponds to chapters 1-2 of OCV, vol.11A-13D. The MS is dated 1740.

The extracts concern seven of the letters:

• Letter 20 (f.1r-1v)
• Letter 13 (f.1v-6r)
• Letter 21 (f.6r-8v)
• Letter 22 (f.8v-11r)
• Letter 23 (f.11r-13r)
• Letter 24 (f.13v-16v)
• Letter 25 (f.17r-44r.

F.44v-47v are blank. There are two copyists, the second of which takes over from f.17v onward.

The first entry is dated 12 June 1734, whilst later entries are dated April 1736. Jamet, possibly Pierre-Charles Jamet, appears to have been using the Amsterdam edition of the text published by Lucas in 1734.

The essay, on the subject of Voltaire’s lettres imprimées, was produced by Louis-Nicolas-Jean-Joachim de Cayrol in 1829.

The essay concerns Voltaire’s lettres falsifiées and was produced by Louis-Nicolas-Jean-Joachim de Cayrol in 1829.

The essay considers Voltaire’s lettres perdues, and was written by Louis-Nicolas-Jean-Joachim de Cayrol in 1829.