Herbology Notebook - Year One
written by Elizabeth Black
Here are my notes from my first year of Herbology! In the last chapter I included links to all my other note books! Be sure to check those out!
Last Updated
05/31/21
Chapters
11
Reads
1,170
Lesson Two
Chapter 2
Supplies
- We need to talk about supplies we will be using in class
- The basic equipment for Herbology can be sorted into two categories.
- equipment that will be discussed is for your protection
- such as dragonhide gloves, earmuffs
- closed-toe shoes and an apron
- a mask may also be required if dangerous fumes or scents will be present
- do not have to wear your cloak nor your tie to Herbology class
- Protective equipment is vital when working with plants. (can't go to class with out it)
- just make sure you read the labels and don’t mix them up with Flesh-Eating Slug Repellent!
- British herbological journal. Herbology Today recently published an article on common mishaps when handling plants *Don't want anything like that to happen you you*
- over thirty thousand witches and wizards around the world have had preventable accidents in the past year, and 61% of those mishaps involved forgetting or neglecting to put on dragonhide gloves. (accidents from your mistakes are definitely easy to avoid) *Be careful*
- second set of equipment revolves around caring for plants: consists of dragon dung, Mooncalf dung, and centaur tears
- These three are the essentials that everyone must be aware of.
- used as a fertilizer for soil, or mixed in with compost in order to make a more delicate organic fertilizer
- from the acids found in dragons’ stomachs
- related to their fire-breathing abilities *how well it works it*
- These acids break all materials down to their most natural state (very helpful)
- unique to dragon dung is that it is scentless, and will thus bother neither you nor the plant
- Mooncalf dung is also used as a fertilizer
- gentle option -- even gentler than dragon dung-based composts
- Mooncalf dung is preferred for planting and caring for more sensitive or fragile plants
- Mooncalf dung does not have the potency of dragon dung
- lack of these nutrients and to contribute what the plant requires to grow strong.
- Centaur tears are a favorite drink for most plants,
- More vitamin-rich than regular water, centaur tears are capable of reviving a plant moments from death
some plants find them toxic (better for the plant)
- never water a plant which grows in salt water with centaur tears
- ethical issues surrounding the usage and collection of centaur tears
- known for their troubled history, aloof nature, and intense study, particularly with respect to astrology and herbology
- "beasts," as classified by the Ministry, are actually equally as intelligent as humans, if not moreso
- bonds with centaur clans, notably Albus Dumbledore and Rubeus Hagrid are possible
- Ministry laws protect centaurs, but it is common knowledge among herbologists that some vendors could potentially slip through the cracks and are not as reputable as others *bad thing to do*
Caldrons and Herbology
- there are a few specific things that must be noted when brewing plants:
- how plants are observed to interact with the corresponding metals of each kind of cauldron
is no bad cauldron
- For example, if you know your cauldron doesn’t fare well with burning plants, you will need to keep a close watch on any potion you’re brewing that includes them as an ingredient.
Pewter
- cauldrons are good for beginning brewers and are used here at Hogwarts
- melting point is on the low side, they tend to be prone to melting and explosions
- as pewter does not react or mix with organic material
- when using plants of a high toxicity level, should your cauldron happen to melt or explode -- and in some way - shower you with your half-created, toxic potion -- you won’t like the result
- if your potion only includes basic herbs or plants with lower levels of toxicity and reactivity, pewter is an excellent
Brass
- has a higher melting point than pewter, at roughly 920 degrees Celsius
- resistant to wear and tear from burning plants
- should any plant material get stuck to the cauldron and start burning, it will react with the metal and start emitting a green-blue fire and release zinc into the air,
Copper
- I'll have you know that I'd give copper an excellent rating for use with plant-based ingredients
- copper completely recyclable -- the material can be used again with no loss in quality
- the highest melting point of the three most common cauldrons at 1,085 degrees Celsius.
- can withstand the same class of burning plants as brass and can also handle some select plants of the reactive class
Silver
- Nocturnal plants are especially well-suited to being brewed in silver cauldrons because of this metal’s ability to be used alongside certain phases of the Moon to amplify properties
- melting between 780 and 962 degrees Celsius
- don't recommend getting a silver cauldron unless you are paying for a pure silver one
- Worse, if your potion involves particularly reactive plants, this fusing may cause a bit of a boom!
Gold
- like to have a cauldron fit for a king or queen, the good news is that you can attempt to convince your parents you - need one for advanced potion making, as it interacts well with all plants
- melting point 1,064 degrees Celsius
- resists acids released by plants, making it ideal for all plants of all classes and categories.
- These heavily discounted cauldrons almost always include pyrite or “fool’s gold.”
- There is no problem with the melting point (1,100 degrees Celsius). However, it reacts with not only plants, but also with heat and water, which is not ideal at all for potion making!
