This document discusses the use of thermal analysis techniques like differential thermal analysis (DTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in preformulation studies. These techniques are used to characterize properties of drug substances and excipients like polymorphism, degree of crystallinity, moisture content, and thermal stability. They provide important information on aspects like purity, solid-solid interactions, and decomposition behavior which helps optimize dosage form development. The principles and applications of DTA, DSC, and TGA are explained to analyze various thermal events in materials.