There are two items in this assemble that are copied in an unknown hand. The first is vers libertine (44r-44v), and the second is an extract from a Manuscrit Philosophique Clandestin (97r-102r), which Voltaire has titled Extraits de Maillet. T.D. Betserman indicates that this is in the hand of Colligny (p.420), but this is mistaken. Below is the beginning of this text:

Si on prouve par des anachronismes des plus marqués que Moïse n’a point écrit la Genèse, si l’on démontre qu’il n’est point non plus l’auteur de l’Exode, du Lévitique, des Nombres, du Deutéronome, il est sûr qu’on doit moins de foi à des histoires dont on n’a pas d’auteur contemporain. Voilà l’objet et l’idée de la critique de Spinosa, etc.

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 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 notebook fragment constitutes a quote taken from André Duchesne discussing his publications of the French monarchy, and his fondness for the said monarchy.

This notebook, the first of 1828, shows Lyell’s continued interest in the Auvergne region of France, and comes at a time when he begins to plan for a grand trip. In May 1828, Lyell joined Roderick Impey Murchison (1792-1871) and his wife Charlotte Hugonin (1788-1869) for a fieldwork tour of France and Italy. The journey was planned expressly for geological fieldwork, the purpose of which was to educatethe travellers themselves, thus being closely related to what today would be called a field trip rather than field research. There were both educational and recreational aspects to the journey; Roderick Murchison referred to this journey as their (geological) Grand Tour.

Through travels Lyell’s theories evolved. His studies of the Roman Macellum or ‘Temple of Serapis’ in Pozzuoli, near Naples, in 1828 provide a perfect illustration of his understanding of the impact and significance of modern marine and geological processes.

A subject of concern for Lyell was the power and exclusivity of British Universities; 9 May 1828, parliament repealed the Test and Corporation Acts which had banned Catholics from holding government and public offices or from attending universities. The notebook contains: p.1: Chalk flint, ammonite in
p.1: Alligators in Mississippi
p.2: Chalk, fissures in
p.2: Echini in Chalk
p.2: Sheppey fossils
p.3, 13: Lewes levels
p.3: Mediterr[anean]
p.3: Rapidity of format[ion]
p.4: Murex on Ammonite
p.4: Quartzose sandst[one]
p.4: Wind
p.5: Earthq[uake]
p.6: Pentacrinus Europous
p.7: Rules, mammalia, birds, […]
p.7: Freshw[ater] form[ation]
p.8: Final […]
p.8: Change of vegetables
p.8: Dicotyl[…] wood in Green s[and]
p.10: Queries
p.11: Tilgate, monocotyl[…] wood
p.11: Storm of Nov[ember] 1824
p.12: Castle, circle half destroyed
p.13: Sharks teeth, Tilgate etc.
p.13: Turbo littoreus of Weald […]
p.13: Diluvium
p.13: Chalk, slate in
p.14: Beattie on Earthq[uake]
p.14: Wood in chalk
p.14: Silicif[ied] wood
p.15: Chalk, org[anic] re[mains]
p.15: Dredging the English channel
p.15: Wisdom of Solomon
p.15: Byron on the ocean
p.16: Extracts from Don Juan
p.16: Island of Antlantis (poem)
p.17: Wood coal
p.17: Mammalia
p.18: Rarity of fossils
p.18: Inclination, Jamieson
p.18: Fissures
p.19: Chalk fossils, lists of
p.20: Gault, D[itt]o, D[itt]o
p.20: Green sand D[itt]o, D[itt]o
p.21: Sharks very universal
p.22: Weald clay fossils
p.22: Tilgate beds, d[itt]o
p.23: Waders in d[itt]o
p.23: Mantell on destr[uction] of Brighton coast
p.23: D[itt]o on submarine forest
p.24: No foss. Quad. of height of Cameleopard [sic]
p.25: Climate
p.26: Tides highest on French side of British Chan[nel]
p.26: Bo[?]e in rivers
p.27: Baltic
p.27: Rivers colder than seas
p.28: Height of Tides
p.28: Freshwater lakes
p.28: Inland seas
p.28: Wood […] at Christch[urch] Head
p.29: Primitive rocks
p.29: Bonnard, M on primitive rocks of Burgundy
p.32: Brongniart, M on des gres d’ Hor
p.34: Desnoyer de la form[ation] Ool [?] de la France
p.35: Unknown causes
p.36: Elev[ation] of Mount[ains]
p.36: Toleration of spin[…]
p.37: Jamieson on sands of Egypt
p.38: Flinders s[an]d pumice formed cement to some coral isles
p.38: Chateauvieux on the Maremmes of Tuscany
p.43: Guanas of N.S. Walls
p.45: Valleys in mountain chains how caused
p.48: Voltaire, extracts from
p.50: Elevation
p.50: Smyths Sicily, extracts
p.57: Insects in marl
p.58: Free fern, silicif[ied] in Saxony
p.58: Mastodous
p.59: Prevost on Chalk of Paris
p.60: Refrig’n of globe in 2000 years
p.60: Subapennines
p.61: Ava bones
p.61: Sea, greatest depth
p.61: Deluge
p.61: Cuvier revol’s
p.62: Chateauvieux’s Letters extracts from
p.66: Hordwell Cliff, […]
p.66: Plastic clay
p.68: Mont Dor silex
p.68: Amygdaloid
p.69: Opalized wood
p.69: Eifel wood in traps
p.69: Brown coal form[ation]
p.69: M[on]t Bolea fish
p.70: Diluvium, flint gravel
p.70: Limena of N[orth] Holland
p.71: Burmese fossil shells
p.73: Lias, Syenite, of Sky
p.73: Water spout n[ea]r Croydon
p.74: Legendum
p.75: Central Heat
p.76: Skeleton of Rhinoceros with marine shells adhearing to it. Piacenza.
p.76: Skeletons of Elephants [et cetera] with d[itt]o
p.78: Turtles in Bay of Bincay
p.78: Crocodile in Paris gyps[um]
p.78: Coal in the Andes
p.78: Ronca, marine + volcanic form[ation] alternating
p.79: Sulp[hur] of Barytes, Auvergne
p.79: Gergovia, trap versus
p.80: Mezen, Trachyte above basalt
p.80: Cantal, Subap[…] beds contin[ued] to within 30 miles of
p.80: Potoie, hot spring
p.81: Isthmus of Suez
p.81: M. testaceo, Roman jars
p.82: M. Mario, bones of Eleph[ants]
p.82: Lake Titicaca, 7000 sq. miles height of 12,900 ft
p.83: Volc[ani]c from lat. 16 to Cape Horn
p.84: Auvergne mem[oranda]
p.90: Tree ferns in Upper Peru at height of 6500 ft.
p.90: Legendum
p.90: Voluta, remarks on
p.91: Trachyte, modern
p.91: Gold + Silver, mines of
p.91: Peru, their age
p.92: Glaris slate – fish?
p.92: Tilgate beds
p.92: Pappenheim, oolite
p.93: Caithness Fish
p.93: Oolite coal, Yorksh[ire]
p.93: Errors in Fleming
p.101: Forfarsh[ire] Lead
p.102: Salt from […]
p.102: Verona, deposit of crabs
p.102: Peru, Silver mines in Mag[nesian] limest[one]
p.103: Peru section of d[itt]o
p.105: Encrinites + Producto at elev[ation] of 15,000 ft
p.105: Boulade Bones
p.105: Isocardium Cor
p.105: Soldier Crab in Subap[…]
p.106: Subap[…] format[ions] + shells
p.108: Bordeaux shells
p.108: Cerith[…] + Potamides, diff[erence]
p.109: Lepidoptera
p.111,112,119: Dante […]
p.111: Merricks Cardigan
p.115: Elev[ation] of limest[one] Andes
p.115: Elev[ation] of coal Andes
p.115: Tripli rock, red marl
p.116: Marine shells in ravines n[ea]r Lima [et cetera]
p.117: Ammonites f[oun]d in Indea believed to cont[inue] Violana
p.120: Benddant found recent shells under Coiron basalt
p.122: Pentland on foss[il] fish
p.169: Supap[…] queries
p.170: Geolog[y] queries

Notes on philosophy, including a discussion of Voltaire.

A series of thoughts and anecdotes in the hand of Voltaire describing court events and gossip.

A list of the contents of a folder in Voltaire’s hand. Amongst the items listed are Marquis D’Argenson on the Battle of Fontenoy, a ‘card de fleuri’, ‘St florentin etc.’, letters from Monsieur de Mainevas and Émilie du Châtelet, correspondences from a trip to Prussia, and a letter from the Queen of Sweden.

A variety of notebook entries on a range of topics including ‘histoire orientale’, ‘Poeme pour le tombau d’abas invocation a mahomet’, ‘Turcs’ ‘janissaires’, ‘siege de vienne’, ‘portrait de mahomet’, ‘peintures’, ‘superstition’, ‘arts antiquite’, ‘luxe Charlemagne luxe’, ‘philippe le be[l]’, ‘louis ix lux’, ‘france’, ‘1430’, ‘1370’, ‘vers law 1630’, ‘postes’, ‘pavé’, ‘equipages’, and ‘commerce’. The following leaf can be found at BnF, n.a.fr.24342, f.287.

Voltaire writes about the origins of the Hebrew language.