An introductory treatise or textbook.

= ABC, n.1 4. Now chiefly historical.

Usually in plural. (a) Elements of instruction; first principles of a science or art; (b) a book of first principles, an elementary treatise; = inst…

That which leads to the knowledge or understanding of something. A textbook or treatise intended as a manual for beginners, or explaining the…

transferred. A treatise on the rudiments of a subject; a primer.

= sense 4.

In the titles of books. A book of instruction or information for beginners or novices (in an art, etc.).

An elementary book on some subject of study. Obsolete.

A small introductory book on any subject.

Used (in plural and singular) in the titles of works intended to provided an introduction to the study of a subject (originally, the study of a…

transferred. A book presenting these in methodical form. (Now rare; formerly common in the titles of books.)

An introduction to a topic or field of study; an introductory book, chapter, etc. Frequently with to or into.