Anne-Robert-Jacques TURGOT (1727–1781). L.A., Limoges, March - Lot 156

Anne-Robert-Jacques TURGOT (1727–1781). L.A., Limoges, March 1, 1771, to his former secretary Antoine-Bernard Caillard; 4 pages, in-4. On the Pronunciation of Latin. He expresses his gratitude for the books, particularly those by Father Venini (author of works on poetry and versification, and translator of Horace). The Abbé de L’aage [Turgot’s pseudonym for his literary essays], whose speeches Caillard had transcribed, is looking for a copyist “who could make a second copy for the Archbishop of Toulouse” [Loménie de Brienne]. The abbot believes “that the Italians are completely mistaken regarding metrical poetry. It is strange that people of intellect persist in seeking the rules of pronunciation for a dead language within their own language and refuse to acknowledge the bad habits they were taught to adopt in school. It seems to me that we are more sincere, that we do not claim to pronounce Latin correctly, and that, with regard to quantity, we correct the false pronunciations instilled in us during childhood, which have taken root here, as in Italy, through the use of Church Latin”… He gives examples of pronunciation and meter used by our “schoolchildren,” following Venini’s example. Hume believed that “the ancients pronounced Latin as the English do today, pronouncing a as e, i as ï, e as i, o as â, and u as you. He was quite surprised when I assured him otherwise.” He nevertheless criticizes the Italians for “dumbing down metrical verse to their own level and for knowing nothing of its true beauty.” Then he alludes to Voltaire: “I find your explanation for Ferney’s silence quite plausible. We could try another letter, which you would countersign in Paris at Mr. Trudaine’s. The abbé will decide on that. Another option would be, if you ever pass through Ferney on your way to Parma, to sound out the situation”… He mentions a few people from Limoges who might be able to point out “opportunities to send me what you would not wish to entrust to the mail.” He also mentions Mirabeau, “who will be coming around Easter, but it’s a long way from here. DuPont [de Nemours] could, in any case, let you know when he’s leaving, and you could go see him”…