INTRODUCTION
27
are well known, being determined by the biographical
data of the leading Rabbis. The researches of
W. Bacher 1 have shown beyond dispute that these
biographical data are, on the whole, mutually con-
sistent ; and thus we are provided with a firm
foundation on which to rest a case for the credibility
of the Rabbinical records. If the whole were a mere
tissue of extravagant inventions, there would be no
such consistency ; and further, it is often possible to
mark where the historical tradition leaves off and
the legendary invention begins. Thus, R. Jehoshua
b. Levi is a perfectly well-known historical figure,
and one whose name occurs numberless times in the
Talmud and Midrash ; of him various facts are
related which there is no reason to call in question,
while in addition other stories are told-such as his
conversation with the Angel of Death (b. Keth. 77b) -
which are plainly imaginary.
In judging, then, of the reliability, as historical
evidence, of the Rabbinical records, we must take as
our guide, in the first instance, the chronology of the
lives of the Rabbis themselves, and note whether their
statements refer to matters nearly or quite contem-
porary. Thus, when Rabbi A. says that on a certain
occasion he walked with Rabbi B. who told him
so and so, or again, that when he was a boy he re-
membered seeing Rabbi C. who did so and so, he is
presumably speaking of things well within his know-
' " Agada der Tannalten," " Ag. der Palestinensischen Amori er," 10 Ag. d.
Babylonischen Amoraer." Bacher is not the only scholar who has dealt
with Rabbinical biography ; but so far as I know, his work is much more
thorough and complete than any other on the same subject ; and I would
here express my very great obligation for the help I have derived from the
invaluable works I have named above.
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