New Catechism of the Steam Engine was written by mechanical engineer Nehemiah Hawkins as a practical guide to the construction, operation, and management of power-producing engines. Copyrighted in 1897 and first circulated around 1898, the book was reprinted several times during the early 20th century.

Using a question-and-answer format, Hawkins explains the principles behind stationary, marine, and locomotive steam engines. The book also covers steam fire engines, pumping and hoisting machinery, portable engines, and the developing technologies of gas, oil, and hot-air engines.

The “catechism” format divided complicated engineering subjects into direct questions and concise answers. This made the book useful to working engineers, firemen, mechanics, and students preparing for examinations or learning to operate industrial equipment.

By discussing both steam and early internal-combustion machinery, this volume documents a transitional period in engineering when several competing forms of power were used throughout transportation and industry.