This document discusses preformulation, which involves studying the physical and chemical properties of a drug prior to developing a dosage form. The goals of preformulation are to establish the drug's physicochemical parameters, physical characteristics, compatibility with excipients, and provide data to support dosage form design and evaluation. The major areas of preformulation study include physical description and bulk characterization, solubility analysis, and stability analysis. Specific tests described include assessing crystallinity, polymorphism, hygroscopicity, particle size, thermal effects, and powder flow properties.