Lionel S. Marks, former Gordon McKay Professor of Mechanical Engineering, emeritus, died yesterday in Providence after suffering a heart attack. He was 83.

Marks joined the faculty in 1894 and retired in 1940. He is the author of several books, including "Mechanical Engineer's Handbook," which is considered the classic reference work in the field.

A pioneer in the field of aeronautics, Marks was a chief consulting engineer to the U.S. Bureau of Aircraft Production during World War II, and a participant in experiments directed to powering planes by air turbines.

Marks was born in Birmingham, England. He received his engineering diploma from Mason College, Birmingham, in 1891, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of London the following year. He was National Lecturer of the scientific fraternity Sigma Xi and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.