In the course of my lectures I shall be able to show you in which respect and to what extent the Talmud advanced beyond the literal meaning of the Torah, and to show you the radical and determined manner of its authors in the pursuit of their aims. And, _ln order, to enable you to get a better insight into the whole fabric of that most complicated and intricate work, I shall divide my subject into three principal parts: (1) Its authors, (2) its doctrines, and (3) its history. Needless to say, I shall confine my remarks to the principal names and facts, as you well understand that it is well nigh impossible to deal adequately with this vast subject in the limited time at my disposal.