This document discusses various compendial methods for drug dissolution testing. It begins by defining dissolution as the process where a solid substance solubilizes in a solvent, transferring mass from the solid surface to the liquid phase. It then describes the seven USP dissolution apparatus types and their applications for testing different drug products like tablets, capsules, modified release formulations and transdermal systems. The document provides details on factors that influence dissolution test design and the principles of operation for each apparatus type.