Faraday Discussions 136 This volume focuses on recent advances in the nucleation, growth, inhibition and dissolution of solids, a vitally important interdisciplinary field of contemporary science. The area has reached an exciting stage where new opportunities are emerging in both theory and experiment. Wide-ranging fundamental scientific challenges are faced in this field of major importance to industries including oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, biomaterials and mineral extraction. Work is presented in the following areas: Techniques: including diffraction, small angle scattering, probe microscopy, optical microscopy, crystallization techniques and both atomistic and mesoscale modelling methods; Applications: inorganic materials, microporous and mesoporous materials, molecular crystals, bio-materials, minerals, semi-conductors and pharmaceuticals.