Page:Ginzburg - The Legends of the Jews - Volume 5.djvu/15

 fact that it is necessary to examine both Text and Note to make clear the meaning of such a reference. To avoid multiplying the references, it was found advisable to refer to the Index, which will appear in the seventh volume, and which will contain under the subject headings all the passages of Text and Notes that are related to one another. The Index will also give a complete bibliography of the works quoted in the Notes. For the convenience of the reader, however, a list of abbreviated titles of books is attached to this volume. I have followed the usual forms of quoting, and no special directions are necessary for those who are able to make use of the sources in their original. The titles of the Hellenistic and patristic works are given in Latin, and the editions referred to are the critical ones, if there be any, otherwise the vulgate text is used. Most of the writings of the Church Fathers, for instance, are quoted according to the Patrology of Migne. In quoting the works of Philo the divisions of the older editions are retained for the benefit of those who have not the critical edition of Cohn and Wendland at their disposal. Almost all the Hebrew works made use of in the Notes were accessible to me in their first editions. In quoting, however, the Talmudim, Midrashim and similar works, the ordinary editions are referred to, except where critical editions exist.

The transliteration of Hebrew words is that of the Jewish Encyclopaedia, except that because of typographical difficulties, I did not make use of the diacritical points. Accordingly H stands for and, K for  and , T for  and , and Z for  and.

The Notes were completely ready for the printer more than five years ago, and the delay of their publication is a matter for which the author must not be held responsible. I am glad, however, to be able to state that the sixth volume containing the Notes to volumes three and four is so far advanced in print that it will appear within a short time. I also hope that the seventh volume, which will consist of the Excursuses, Index and Bibliography, will not be delayed unduly.

In the concluding lines of the preface I can not help giving expression to the feeling of deep sadness that overcomes me at the thought that Dr. B. Halper, who greatly assisted me in seeing this work through the press, was snatched away from our midst before its completion. With the devotion of the friend and the interest of the scholar he did much more for this book than even the most conscientious editor could be expected to do. His untimely death was a great loss to Jewish scholarship and still more to his friends, who will always remember him with love and affection.

New York, April 24, 1925