The Talmud is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable literary productions of antiquity. In its twelve folio volumes it, embodies the mental labors of the ancient Jewish teachers during a period of about eight hundred years. The attention of these teachers was directed particularly to expounding and developing the religious, moral and civil law of the Bible. The pages of this great work are, besides, replete with wise observations, ethical maxims, beautiful legends and parables, and exegetical explanations. We also find in it valuable historical and ethnographical material, as well as occasional references to the various branches of ancient knowledge and science.