This book examines the theory of boundary value problems for elliptic systems of partial differential equations, a theory which has many applications in mathematics and the physical sciences. The aim is to 'algebraize' the index theory by means of pseudo-differential operators and methods in the spectral theory of matrix polynomials. This latter theory provides important tools that will enable the student to work efficiently with the principal symbols of the elliptic and boundary operators on the boundary. This book is ideal for use in graduate-level courses on partial differential equations, elliptic systems, pseudo-differential operators and matrix analysis. Since many new methods and results are introduced and used throughout the book, all the theorems are proved in detail, and the methods are well illustrated through numerous examples and exercises.