The papersin this volume are as a resultofcontributions given at the NATO Advanced Study Institute heldat L1andinam Building, University CollegeofWales, Aberystwyth, 10 - 23 September 1989. The Institute considered the physical and chemical propertiesof a variety ofcolloidal systems ranging from simple micellar solutions to concentrated colloidal dispersions. The purpose ofthe NATO Advanced Study Institute was to create a forum so that research scientists working in different areas concerned with colloid science could interact. The emphasL oft1"l.;: contributions were on the interpretation ofthe different experimental and theoretical approach to give information on the structure, dynamics and equilibrium propertiesofthese systems. The application ofseveral different techniques in colloid science have been described; new developments and perspectives have been covered by several authors. The present volume reviews the current stale ofthe art in this area and it is hoped that it will be used as an incentive for further studies particularlywith reference to new areas ofresearch.In the organisation ofthe scientific programme for the NATO meeting we would like to acknowledge the assistance ofProfessors J. Lyklema, D. G. Hall and J. Holzwarth. We wish to thank Miss Mandy Rudd for all the secretarial assistance in setting up the meeting and for the invaluable assistance in preparing the manuscripts. In connection with the proceedings we would also like to thank Miss Sandra Fahy for assistance. The help of Paul Jones and Mrs G. Wyn-Jones during the meeting is also gratefully acknowledged.
