Letter from Voltaire to Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand, dated 5 June 1772 [D17770]
Identifiers
CMV:
CMV36743
Repository:
Shelfmark:
5-240 (VII, f.136-8), ‘A Mme la marquise du Deffand, 5 juin 1772, à Ferney (M. 8556)’
Title:
Letter from Voltaire to Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand, dated 5 June 1772 [D17770]
Collection(s):
Related record(s):
No related manuscripts found.
Link to Digital Resource:
Link to Archive Catalogue:
OCLC Number:
Reproductions:
The Besterman Collection, Geneva, photocopy
Content
People:
Incipit Diplomatic:
Vous me parlez, Madame, de philosophie pratique, parlez moi de santé pratique.
Incipit Modernised:
Vous me parlez, Madame, de philosophie pratique, parlez-moi de santé pratique.
Language(s):
In Voltaire’s Hand:
Partly
Brief Summary:
Letter from Voltaire to Marie-Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise Du Deffand, dated 5 June 1772.
Detailed Summary:
The writer contrasts the practical aspects of philosophy with practical health concerns, emphasising that one’s digestive health can significantly influence one’s mental state and perspectives. They recount their experiences with various visitors, noting the reception of their rustic lifestyle and the personal impact of medicinal remedies. The writer reflects on the transient nature of their achievements and possessions, drawing a parallel to Job’s resignation to fate, and expresses a poignant sense of gratitude for the recipient’s kindness amidst life’s uncertainties.
Keyword(s):
Genre(s):
Status:
Physical Description
Material(s):
Extent:
3 ff.
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:
5 June 1772
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. 408–410
OCV Manuscript Reference:
122, ‘MS2’, p. 410
Record created by:
Record created on: