Sepher Kerithoth [Talmudic methodology]

SAMSON BEN ISAAC OF CHINON

Vincenzo Conti

Cremona

1558

Second edition. Title within four-piece historiated border.

Vinograd, Cremona 21.

Although last of the French Tosafists, Samson of Chinon was the first Tosafist to write on Talmudic methodology. Sepher Kerithoth is an all-comprehensive work divided into five parts. The initial four parts deal with the hermeneutic rules which are the basis of Tannaitic Halachic derivation, while the fifth part is 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.