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Preface

This Handbook contains, in a form convenient for everyday use, a comprehensive digest of the knowledge of Smiths' Work, scattered over ten thousand columns of Work — the weekly journal it is my fortune to edit —
and supplies concise information on the general principles of the subjects on which it treats.

In preparing for publication in book form the mass of relevant matter contained in the volumes of Work, much had to be arranged anew, altered, and largely re-written.

From these causes the contributions of many are so blended that the writings of individuals cannot be distinguished for acknowledgment Readers who may desire additional information respecting special details of the matters dealt with in this Handbook, or instruction on kindred subjects, should address a question to Work, so that it may be answered in the columns of that journal.

P. N. Hasluck