Letter from Voltaire to Marc-René de Voyer comte d’Argenson, written from château de Ferney and dated 12 October 1770 [D16697]
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36730
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.106), ‘A M. de Voyer d’Argenson, à Ferney, 18 octobre 1770 (M. 8049)’
Title:
Letter from Voltaire to Marc-René de Voyer comte d’Argenson, written from château de Ferney and dated 12 October 1770 [D16697]
Collection(s):
Related record(s):
No related manuscripts found.
Link to Archive Catalogue:
Link to Digital Resource:
OCLC Number:
Reproductions:
The Besterman Collection, Geneva, photocopy
Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
Monsieur, Je ne suis pas étonné qu’un maître de postes tel que vous mène si bon train l’auteur du systême de la nature.
Incipit Modernised:
Monsieur, Je ne suis pas étonné qu’un maître de postes tel que vous mène si bon train l’auteur du système de la nature.
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
Partly
Brief Summary:
Letter from Voltaire to Marc-René de Voyer comte d’Argenson, written from château de Ferney and dated 12 October 1770.
Detailed Summary:
In this letter, the writer expresses admiration for the philosophical insights of the recipient, noting the intellectual calibre of French postmasters and reflecting on a past visit to the Château des Ormes. They acknowledge their own doubts compared to the recipient’s philosophical stance, referencing historical figures like Simonides to illustrate the complexity of seeking definitive answers about existential questions. Despite their physical distance and declining health, the writer conveys deep respect for the recipient and their work, affirming a lasting connection and appreciation.
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Physical Description
Material(s):
Extent:
1 f.
Format:
Dimensions:
Hands:
2
Watermark:
Countermark:
Binding:
The manuscript is bound with other documents in contemporary red morocco.
Additional Comments:
Materiality Keywords:
Decorations:
Additions:
The manuscript carries a few autograph additions.
Marginalia Keywords:
Inclusions:
History
Date:
12 October 1770
Ownership:
After Voltaire’s death, the MS passed into the ownership of Catherine II and remained in the imperial and then national collection thereafter.
Origin (transcript):
Origin:
Provenance:
This MS was probably taken to St Petersburg by Wagnière in the summer of 1779 along with the rest of Voltaire’s library.
Bibliography
Bibliography:
Fernand Caussy, Inventaire des manuscrits de la bibliothèque de Voltaire conservée à la bibliothèque impériale publique de Saint-Pétersbourg (Geneva, Slatkine reprints, 1970)
OCV Reference:
122, p. 26–27
OCV Manuscript Reference:
122, ‘MS1’, p. 27
Record created by:
Record created on: