Madame du Chatelet was made to write to the governor, praying him to soften the imprisonment of Socrates-Diderot as much as he could.[85] It was the last of her good deeds, for she died in circumstances of grotesque tragedy in the following month (Sept.

1749), and her husband, her son, Voltaire, and Saint Lambert alternately consoled and reproached one another over her grave.

Diderot meanwhile had the benefit of her intervention.

He was transferred from the dungeon to the chateau, was allowed to wander about the park on his parole, and to receive visits from his friends.

One of the most impulsive of these friends was Jean Jacques.