  Colloidal suspensions are simple model systems for the study of phase
transitions. Video microscopy is capable of directly imaging the structure and
dynamics of colloidal suspensions in different phases. Recent results related
to crystallization, glasses, and 2D systems complement and extend previous
theoretical and experimental studies. Moreover, new techniques allow the
details of interactions between individual colloidal particles to be carefully
measured. Understanding these details will be crucial for designing novel
colloidal phases and new materials, and for manipulating colloidal suspensions
for industrial uses.
