A system for determining the growth/dissolution rate of colloidal particles is disclosed and includes multiple light sources and multiple sensors. A light source is constructed to emit a beam of electromagnetic radiation at a specimen chamber that holds the colloidal particles. The chamber allows a portion of the combined beam to scatter perpendicularly or at some other angle to the combined beam. The scattered portion of the beam is directed to a sensor that detects electromagnetic radiation. The sensor is connected to processor that activates the light source and obtains an image from the sensor. Multiple images are taken at a time interval and for each image taken, and a total image intensity level is calculated and normalized. A formula is then calculated that fits the normalized values over time and a slope is determined from the formula.