A more thorough explanation:

A search book is a type of lawbook that does not contain any statements of the law. Instead, it consists of lists or tables of cases, statutes, and other legal materials. Its purpose is to help researchers find the law they are looking for.

For example, most indexes, other than index-digests, are search books. These indexes provide a list of keywords or topics and the page numbers where they can be found in the lawbook. This makes it easier for researchers to locate the specific information they need.

Another example of a search book is a legal encyclopedia. These books provide summaries of legal topics and cases, along with references to the relevant statutes and cases. Researchers can use these references to find more detailed information on a particular legal issue.

In summary, a search book is a valuable tool for legal researchers. It helps them navigate the complex world of legal materials and find the information they need to support their arguments and make informed decisions.