The second edition of  Brockelmann's dictionary, which appeared in  1928, provides the Syriac scholar with an excellent tool. It is an original work, which takes into account practically all the Syriac texts published thus far. In what concerns etymology and derivation the author's authority is universally established, as are the extension and exactness of his information in matters of vowel-marking and spelling .                        

 But unfortunately, beginners or seminary  students have  no easy access to the treasures of a voluminous work, written in Latin, with a predilection for sibylline abbreviations, and an alphabetical order which often refers to some hidden etymology.

 The writing of the present concise student's dictionary was undertaken in the hope that it might offer them the essentials as a faithful reflexion of the original work.

 It goes without saying that the two folio-volumes of Payne-Smith and, to a lesser degree the manuals of P. J. Burn and Mrs. Margoliouth have been frequently consulted and put to good use.

 As for the number of words explained and meanings supplied, this manual should be inserted between the one of P. J. Burn and Father Kobert's valuable compendium, but notably closer to the former than to the latter. We have endeavoured to exclude only rare or technical terms and meanings

 Having taken upon himself to turn through the manuscript, the Reverend Paul Mouterde, professor at St. Joseph's University, Beirut, has kindly pointed out to us a certain number of errors and has even checked the texts, in cases of doubt. We feel it a pleasant duty to express our sincere gratitude towards him in this place.

 We should also like to thank the English and Arabic speaking Fathers who have reviewed our translations as well as all those - masters and pupils -who have kindly afforded their aid. 
 

 L. C.