Voltaire notes that his strongest desire was to be naturalised in England, and that the Royal Society, prompted by Folkes, have given him that great honour. He lists the English writes who have influenced him: Shakespeare, Addison, Dryden, and Pope, and adds that he also entered into the ‘temple of philosophy’ where he admired the ‘altar of Newton’. Voltaire states that he was so bold as to introduce Newton into France, but that in doing so he became not only a confessor to his faith but a martyr also. He then turns to press, bemoaning and satirising its restrictions, and noting that the Royal Society has rewarded him for his sufferings. He ends by paying his respect to the brethren of the Royal Society and stating his desire to cross the sea in order to give them his ‘hearty thanks’.

The Royal Society dates the letter to 29 November 1743, however Besterman instead gives the date as 25 November 1743.

Voltaire notes that his strongest desire was to be naturalised in England, and that the Royal Society, prompted by Folkes, have given him that great honour. He lists the English writes who have influenced him: Shakespeare, Addison, Dryden, and Pope, and adds that he also entered into the ‘temple of philosophy’ where he admired the ‘altar of Newton’. Voltaire states that he was so bold as to introduce Newton into France, but that in doing so he became not only a confessor to his faith but a martyr also. He then turns to press, bemoaning and satirising its restrictions, and noting that the Royal Society has rewarded him for his sufferings. He ends by paying his respect to the brethren of the Royal Society and stating his desire to cross the sea in order to give them his ‘hearty thanks’.

The Royal Society dates the letter to 29 March 1743, however Besterman instead gives the date as 25 November 1743. As Voltaire was elected on 3 November 1743, we have followed Besterman’s dating here.

Lord Drumlanrig writes to his uncle of personal news and public affairs, including the Battle of Casteldelfino and his meeting with Voltaire.

Voltaire begins by saying that Keate’s friend is about to set out on his journey to England. He adds that he regrets the company of the friend, and that he will regret Keate all his life, before noting that they are in the middle of acting a tragedy [Sémiramis] in which he plays a ghost [Ninus]. Voltaire concludes by saying that he will act very well for he is but a shadow.

The note describes letters being presented to the Royal Society by Reverend Knyvett. The letters were written by Voltaire, Buffon, and Fontenelle and were all addressed to James Jurin, secretary of the Royal Society.

White opens by confirming that he had received Knyvett’s memorandum of an inscription for the portrait of James Jurin that will be presented to the Royal Society. He adds that the Society would like to maintain in their collections the letters sent to Jurin by: Bernard Le Bovier de Fontenelle, Georges-Louis Leclerc, comte de Buffon, Pierre Louis Maupertuis, and Voltaire.

James acknowledges Jusserand’s letter dated 4 September and says in response that no portrait of Voltaire, Shakespeare, the Pope, or Saint Evremond hangs in the rooms of the Royal Society. He adds that he does not know what has become of the portrait of Voltaire referred to in abbé Coyer’s letter.

Raynbird follows up on his previous offer of a letter by Voltaire concerning his election as a Fellow of the Society.