Important Swiss-French philosopher and writer (1712-1778) who held that the individual is essentially good but usually corrupted by society. Rare autograph manuscript in French, unsigned, no date, penned boldly by Jean-Jacques Rousseau on an off-white 7.75 x 10 sheet. The page derives from his unpublished work relating to the history of women which he prepared between 1746-51 for his benefactress Louise Marie Madeleine Dupin. Rousseau writes his text in the right column of the page, with the left reserved for additional notes. In full (translated): “The Emperor Maximilian the First wanted to give to Francis the First the investiture of the Duchy of Milan only on the condition that he makes of it a purely feminine fief, that is to say he wanted that the investiture would not be given to the sons of France but only to the daughters.” In the upper left corner Rousseau has added “Barre L. 8. p. 845.” In fine condition.Format: Manuscript