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{{Short description|Type of reference book}}{{About|the type of reference work|the subnotebook computer|Gateway HandBook|}}{{Redirect|Pocket reference|the all-purpose reference work by Thomas J. Glover|Pocket Ref}}{{Redirect|Vademecum}}(File:New Horizons Medical Support in Trujillo 150612-F-LP903-148.jpg|thumb|A technician referring to an instructional handbook for the operation of a machine)(File:Cover (Autocar Handbook, Ninth edition).jpg|thumb|upright|Early 20th century handbook for operating a motor car)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 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. {{subscription required}} A handbook is sometimes referred to as a (wikt:en:vade mecum#Latin|vade mecum) (Latin, "go with me") or pocket reference. It may also be referred to as an (wikt:enchiridion|enchiridion). In modern times, the concept of Vademecum classically applied to medicines and other pharma products extended to digital health products, using the term Vadimecum (with "di" instead of "de").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 handbooks include Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook, Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, and the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics.

See also

• Enchiridion
• Guide book
• Manual (disambiguation)
• Oxford Companions
• Textbook
• Abramowitz and Stegun Handbook of Mathematical Functions
• CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics
• Mathematical tables
• MAOL, a Finnish handbook for science
• 'Binas'' (book), a Dutch science handbook

Notes

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External links

• Vadimecum, a vademecum for digital health products

{{Wiktionary|handbook}}

• Vademecum in opus Saxonis et alia opera Danica compendium ex indice verborum - a Medieval Latin dictionary

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