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A handbook is a type of reference work, or other collection of instructions, that is intended to provide ready reference. The term originally applied to a small or portable book containing information useful for its owner, but the ''
Oxford English Dictionary The ''Oxford English Dictionary'' (''OED'') is the first and foundational historical dictionary of the English language, published by Oxford University Press (OUP). It traces the historical development of the English language, providing a com ...
'' defines the current sense as "any book ... giving information such as facts on a particular subject, guidance in some art or occupation, instructions for operating a machine, or information for tourists."Oxford English Dictionary Online
accessed 23 March 2017. A handbook is sometimes referred to as a ''
vade mecum A handbook is a type of reference work, or other collection of instructions, that is intended to provide ready reference. The term originally applied to a small or portable book containing information useful for its owner, but the ''Oxford Engl ...
'' (
Latin Latin (, or , ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally a dialect spoken in the lower Tiber area (then known as Latium) around present-day Rome, but through the power of the ...
, "go with me") or pocket reference. It may also be referred to as an
enchiridion Enchiridion is a small manual or handbook. It can refer more specifically to: * ''Enchiridion of Epictetus'', a short manual of Stoic ethical advice * The ''Enchiridion de metris'' of Hephaestion, an ancient treatise on poetic meters * ''Enchiridi ...
. Handbooks may deal with any topic, and are generally compendiums of information in a particular field or about a particular technique. They are designed to be easily consulted and provide quick answers in a certain area. For example, the '' MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers'' is a reference for how to cite works in MLA style, among other things. Examples of
engineering Engineering is the use of scientific method, scientific principles to design and build machines, structures, and other items, including bridges, tunnels, roads, vehicles, and buildings. The discipline of engineering encompasses a broad rang ...
handbooks include ''
Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook ''Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook'' (also known as ''Perry's Handbook'', ''Perry's'', or ''The Chemical Engineer's Bible'') was first published in 1934 and the most current ninth edition was published in July 2018. It has been a source of c ...
'', ''
Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers ''Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers'' is a comprehensive handbook for the field of mechanical engineering. Originally based on the even older German , it was first published in 1916 by Lionel Simeon Marks. In 2017, its 12th editio ...
'', and the ''
CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics The ''CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics'' is a comprehensive one-volume reference resource for science research. First published in 1914, it is currently () in its 103rd edition, published in 2022. It is sometimes nicknamed the "Rubber Bible ...
''.


See also

* Guidebook * Manual (disambiguation) *
Oxford Companions ''Oxford Companions'' is a book series published by Oxford University Press, providing general knowledge within a specific area. The first book published in the series was ''The Oxford Companion to English Literature'' (1932), compiled by the ret ...
* Abramowitz and Stegun ''Handbook of Mathematical Functions'' *
CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics The ''CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics'' is a comprehensive one-volume reference resource for science research. First published in 1914, it is currently () in its 103rd edition, published in 2022. It is sometimes nicknamed the "Rubber Bible ...
* Mathematical tables * MAOL, a Finnish handbook for science * BINAS, a Dutch science handbook


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External links


Vademecum in opus Saxonis et alia opera Danica compendium ex indice verborum
- a Medieval Latin dictionary Reference works {{ref-book-stub