1. The ninth International Summer School on Crystal Growth. ISSCG IX A complete theory of crystal growth establishes the full dependence of crystal size, shape and structure on external parameters like temperature, pressure, composition, purity, growth rate and stirring of the mother phase, implicitly establishing how the corresponding fields vary in space and time. Such a theory does not exist, however. Therefore equipment to grow crystals is developed on the basis of partial knowledge. Skill, experience and creativity still are of central importance for the success o~ a crystal growth system. In this book we collected contributions from the teachers of the ninth International Summer School on Crystal Growth ISSCG IX, held 11-16 june 1995 at Papendal, the national sports centre of the Netherlands. These contributions were used during the lectures. The authors have tried to present their work in such a way that only basic physical knowledge is required to understand the papers. The book can be used as an introduction to various important sub disciplines of the science and technology of crystal growth. Since, however the information content considerably exceeds a lecture note level and touches the present limits of understanding, it is an up to date handbook as well.