Book excerpt: Presents papers from the Ralph K. Iler Memorial Symposium on the colloid chemistry of silica. Includes an overview of the topic by the volume editor. Includes sections on preparation and stability of sols, surface chemistry of silica, particle size and characterization techniques, sol-gel technology, silica gels and powders, silica coatings, uses of colloidal silicas, and silica research in Russia. Of interest to colloid chemists, researchers, and industrial workers with an interest in silica.