Movatterモバイル変換

[0]ホーム

Jump to content

Handbook

Edit links

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

(Redirected fromVademecum)

Type of reference book

This article is about the type of reference work. For the subnotebook computer, seeGateway HandBook.

"Pocket reference" redirects here. For the all-purpose reference work by Thomas J. Glover, seePocket Ref.

"Vademecum" redirects here. For other uses, seeVademecum (disambiguation).

A technician referring to an instructional handbook for the operation of a machine

Early 20th century handbook for operating a motor car

Ahandbook is a type ofreference 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 theOxford 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."^[1]

A handbook is sometimes referred to as avade mecum (Latin, "go with me") orpocket reference. It may also be referred to as anenchiridion. 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, theMLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers is a reference for how to cite works in MLA style, among other things. Examples ofengineering handbooks includePerry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook,Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, and theCRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics.