apparatus and method for the formation and application of small drops of liquid to a workpiece at a predetermined location thereon . the apparatus includes a machine vision system including a computer operable to view the drop as it is being formed and calculate a value indicative of the drop volume and control formation of the drop using the value . application of the drop to the workpiece is also monitored and controlled by the machine vision system . the method and apparatus are particularly suited for use in the application of very small drops having actual volumes of less than about 30 nanoliters .