“Up to ten years of age the Bible was the sole text-book; from ten to fifteen the _Mischna_, or traditional law, was used; and after that the pupil was admitted to the discussions of the rabbinical schools. So extensive a course of study, however, was taken only by those who showed decided aptitude for learning. Bible study began with the book of Leviticus; then came other parts of the Pentateuch; next the prophets, and finally the Hagiography.”[24] [Sidenote: Physiology] In working for this chosen people, God cured physical infirmities with the same case that he healed a sin-sick soul; and with the laws for spiritual growth were given directions for the preservation of health. Every priest was likewise a physician, and the laws concerning the use of simple, healthful foods, proper breathing, ventilation, the use of disinfectants, the bath, etc., were familiar to all who read the statutes of Jehovah. [Sidenote: Additional studies] Painter says, concerning other subjects taught: “Among the potent educational agencies of the Jews, that of the annual national festivals merits consideration.... Commemorating important national events, they kept the people acquainted with their past _history_.... These frequent reunions not only contributed to national and religious unity, but they exerted a strong educating influence upon the people.”[25] “The Levites, more than other Hebrews, were to study the book of the _law_; to preserve and disseminate it in exact copies; to perform the duties of _judges_ and _genealogists_, and consequently to be theologians, jurists, and historians.... As the priests and Levites were to test the accuracy of weights and measures, ... it was necessary that they should understand something of _mathematics_; and as they were to determine and announce the movable feasts, new moons, years, and intercalary years, they had occasion for the study of _astronomy_,” says Jahn. Since the schools of the prophets flourished in the days of Saul and David, it would not be surprising if David gained some of his musical skill there as well as on the hillside tending sheep, for _poetry and music_ formed part of the course of instruction in these schools. One author pays high tribute to these subjects by saying: “Greek poetry is beautiful; Hebrew poetry is sublime.” [Sidenote: Effects of Jewish education] When children were fortified by such an education from infancy to manhood, it is little wonder that the influence which the nation “has exerted upon the world is incalculable. It has supplied the basis of all true theology; it has given a system of faultless morality; and, in Christianity, it has provided the most perfect form of religion. The civilization of _Europe_ and _America_ can be directly traced to the Jews.”[26]