ADRET, SOLOMON BEN ABRAHAM

Vicenzo Conti

Cremona

1558-66

(RaSHB”A). Torath HaBayith [Rabbinic law]. FIRST EDITION. Title within historiated woodcut architectural arch. Inscription on title recording the gift of this work from JOSEPH DELMEDIGO ff. 72. [Vinograd, Cremona 45; Benayahu, Cremona 31; Mehlman 692; not in Adams]. Cremona, Vicenzo Conti, 1566. * SAMSON BEN ISAAC OF CHINON. Sepher Kerithoth [Talmudic methodology]. Second Edition. Title wiithin four-piece historiated woodcut border. ff. 73. [Vinograd, Cremona 21; Benayahu, Cremona 16; not in Adams]. Cremona, Vicenzo Conti, 1558

Although last of the French Tosafists, Samson of Chinon was the first Tosafist to write a work on Talmudic methodology. Sepher Kerithoth is an all-comprehensive work divided into five parts:The opening four parts deal with the hermeneutic rules which are the basis of Tannaic Halachic derivation; the chronology of the Taanaim and Amoraim and the principles upon which Halachah is decided when difference of opinion exists. The fifth part is particulalrly important, devoted to the deduction of new rules applied by the Talmudists in their interpretation of the Bible, and to an extensive elucidation upon the methods and terminology of both parts of the Talmud. ”This portal throws light upon many a knotty passage in the Talmud by clarifying the peculiar expressions and likewise helps to understand the complicated Talmudic discussions by supplying the key to their methods.” See M. Waxman, Vol. II pp.191-2