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.

Raynbird forwards a letter from Voltaire discussing his having been elected as a Fellow of the Society. The enclosure is not present.

Herschel recounts a story about Voltaire and makes arrangements to visit De Morgan.

He quotes from Sir Isaac Newton (‘Tho’ often he forgot to Eat / Never forgot to drink Sir!’), noting that this: ‘is a noble illustration but it puts me in mind of Voltaire’s rather unscrupulous procedure in re Habakkuk. On the chance of your not knowing it (rather a slender one since you seem to be use to, if not the actual author of all the fun that is going on in the world) I will tell it. He, the said Voltaire, was dictating a “moral” essay (after his fashion) to his secretary & was going on at a great rate quoting Habakkuk[…] The poor secretary wrote all down but with increasing dismay & misgiving till at length his heart kindled & he spoke with his tongue “Mais, Monsieur, Habakkuk ne dit nul part rien de parcil!!” Voltaire was down upon him at once with “Taissez vous, insolent! S’il ne le dit pas il l’a pu dire. Habakkuk est capable de tout!” Isn’t that sublime?’

Voltaire opens by begging Dr. Maty to accept his respects. He then proposes abbé Coyer as a member of the Royal Society. He writes that Coyer is known for several highly esteemed works that will repair the harm that his own inadequacy causes such an illustrious society, but adds that Coyer will not be more devoted to it than he is.

Voltaire’s candidature was supported by six individuals between 1 April and 10 October 1743. His supporters were:

• George Parker, 2nd Earl of Macclesfield
• James Jurin
• Martin Folkes
• Shallett Turner
• William Jones
• James Bradley

His election was confirmed by Charles Lennox, 2nd Duke of Richmond and Aubigny on 3 November that year.