Introduction

Alchemy can be dangerous
without the right tools and training, which is why it's important to possess
both. There are some common tools frequently used in the classroom—such as a
wand, dragonhide gloves, or goggles—as well as rare tools that more advanced
wizards use on a daily basis. In addition to having the right tools, it is
important to keep the right mindset as well; practising common safety
techniques while learning alchemy will train your mind to be both safe and
resourceful.

The Common Tools

Before you can even
start practising alchemy, you need the right tools! This is a short
introduction to some common tools that are normally used in basic Alchemy
classes.

Wand: The wand is one of the most essential tools for
any wizard and if you are reading this book, is most likely already in your
possession. Wands can be used for transmuting spells, which is especially
important for alchemy. Recall that alchemy focuses on transmuting metals! In
conjunction with chemicals or elements, a wand can finish off a tricky potion
with a simple tap. Its role in establishing magical ailments in chemicals and
elements has made it an integral part of any alchemist's toolkit.

Dragonhide gloves: Since alchemy deals not only with metals but
with potentially dangerous chemicals as well, protective coverings for less
resilient parts of the body (e.g. the skin) must be used as a precaution.
Dragonhide gloves are the strongest gloves out there, making them the best to
have for any alchemical venture. The rough, scaly skin of dragons is almost
impervious to spells, resulting in super strong protective wear for your hands.

These gloves prevent any
chemicals you handle from coming in contact with your hands. Many chemicals
used in alchemy are toxic and when they come in contact with skin, result in
irritation, blistering, and sometimes even burning. You’d be wise to grab
yourself a pair of these!

Goggles: Many chemicals are not only dangerous to the
touch but also give off toxic fumes. These fumes can harm your eyes if you are
not careful. Therefore, having goggles is essential to safety while practising
alchemy as well as preserving your eyesight. There are certain chemical fumes
have the potential to cause permanent vision loss. Your goggles should also
carry an Impervius Charm to repel any liquid or gaseous substance that comes
near them. This is a simple charm to do on your own pair of goggles, so don’t
forget!

Face mask: Your eyes aren’t the only part of your body
chemicals can damage! The fumes can also be dangerous to inhale, causing you to
hallucinate, have trouble breathing, and cough up blood. By wearing a face mask
while practising alchemy, you can protect yourself from inhaling harmful
chemicals and accidental ingestion. Ingestion can result in similar symptoms as
inhalation but can additionally lead to bloody vomit, chest pain, increased
heart rate, and severe abdominal pain.

Close-toed shoes: Similar in function to dragonhide gloves,
closed-toed shoes can protect you from toxic chemicals that spill on the floor.
Accidents can happen very easily while practising alchemy, so it is important
to protect all sensitive parts of your body. Close-toed shoes will protect you
from skin contact with chemicals and contact with broken glass or other tools.

The Rare Tools

Now on to the rare
tools, which are not 'rare' as in hard to find but 'rare' as in not commonly
used by less advanced wizards. As you move up in alchemy, more and more tools will
be required. The 'rare' tools can be separated into three different types:
glass vessels, porcelain vessels, and other tools. Keep in mind that unless you
delve much deeper into the world of alchemy, you may never encounter these
tools or have a use for them.

Glass Vessels:

These vessels are
commonly used to measure volumes of chemicals. Additionally, many are used to
heat substances that become dangerous at high temperatures because glass is
able to withstand this type of heat. These vessels can be manipulated to have
higher or lower durability as desired, depending on what the alchemist using
them wants.

As a reference, a sip
refers to the volume of a shotglass and was commonly used to measure liquids.

Boiling glass: These cylindrical-shaped vessels vary in
length from very tall to very short. A common ratio for these glasses, however,
is the length being twice as long as the diameter of the glass, resulting in a
narrow-looking container. Some have spouts, which can be used for pouring out
liquids, while others contain measuring lines much like a graduated cylinder.
The maximum amount they can hold may vary but ranges from 112 to 200 sips. Like
the name suggests, these glasses are commonly used for boiling liquids.

Flasks: Flasks are conical in shape, much like a flask
you’d think of today. They have a high resistance to heat and other dangerous
substances, making them ideal for more dangerous alchemy experiments. They’re
used to make solutions during experiments since the glass they’re made of is
sturdy enough to support any mutations in the properties of the chemicals being
mixed.

Funnel: The funnel has various functions, including
filtering of substances, moving liquid or powdered substances into another
vessel, separation of solutions, and more. Funnels come in a variety of sizes
and shapes, depending on their function.

Measunder: Also known as a beaker, these tools are very
similar to boiling glasses but can vary in ratio between the diameter and
height of the vessel. The most important feature is that the bottom is smooth
so that the vessel can sit on the table without moving, resulting in more accurate
measurements.

Meabul: This is a round-bottomed flask that has a flat
bottom and a long and narrow neck. The capacity of the vessel is marked on the
neck and is usually used to measure only one capacity. This is useful for
solutions that need to be made with exact volume measurements in order to get
the correct concentration. Using a meabul is simple. First, put a little of the
solvent into the container. Then, add in the correct amount of powdered
substance or liquid to be dissolved in the solvent. Remember, the concentration
is based off the final volume of the meabul, so keep that in mind when
calculating the amount of solute to add in. Once the solute has been dissolved
into the already-present solvent, add additional solvent until the height of
the solution reaches the marked line on the neck.

Medicine glass: These are used to measure approximate amounts
of liquids and can be conical or cylindrical in shape. They can vary in
capacity, but many alchemists use those with a standard maximum of two, four, ten,
twenty, and forty sips.

Porcelain Vessels:

Because of the material
they are made from, porcelain vessels are known to be more durable in strength
and are only used when there is a need for that strength (like when grinding
substances into powder). Unfortunately, their durability comes at a price;
compared to glass vessels, porcelain vessels are heavier, more expensive, and
not translucent.

Crucible: Crucibles are conically shaped and have a flat
bottom. They appear to be like tiny bowls but are more resistant to heat and
sudden changes in temperature, allowing them to be put into furnaces without
rupturing. Crucibles are commonly used to melt substances such as metals.
However, porcelain isn’t the only material used to make crucibles; sometimes
they can be made out of quartz or even black iron. Take caution when handling a
crucible after heating and remember to use the crucible claw to assist you in
handling.

Mortar: These bowls are used to grind substances into
powders using a pestle, resulting in the 'mortar and pestle' combination. The
inside portion of the mortar is usually porous and rough, making it easy to
grind something against (as compared to a glazed surface).

Other Tools:

More advanced alchemists
have a variety of common tools they use that don’t fit into any one category.
While seemingly simple, many of these are important to have for safety and
accuracy in experiments.

Alcohol lamp: Also known as 'spirit lamps', these are very
similar to what Muggles now call a 'Bunsen burner'. Whatever the name, they are
used to boil and heat up substances. The lamp is constructed out of glass and
contains both alcohol and a wick inside a jar. The heat combined with the
alcohol burns the wick, contributing to its namesake.

Fastening rod: Fastening rods are used in combination with
rings and arms to fasten vials, flasks, funnels, and other vessels. This is
similar to the Muggle concept of a 'ring stand'. These are useful for holding
vessels over flames or securing a vessel to a sturdy support while you perform
other chemical feats.

Claws: As mentioned earlier, claws should be used to
handle a hot crucible that is being pulled out of a furnace. They are similar
to the arms used for a fastening rod but are different in size and
construction. The function of the claw depends on the length of the claw.

Common Safety Techniques

Safety techniques are
the most essential skills to learn while practising alchemy because they ensure
a safe and productive environment. As a reminder, always wear your safety gear
from the common tools list. That’s why they’re on the basic list!

-Label any mixture you
make! This will prevent mix-ups from happening down the line, which can prevent
mixing the wrong chemicals.

-Remember to record all
labels for all chemicals being used. It’s important to know which chemicals are
being used and which you have come in contact with so that precautions can be
taken immediately in case of an accident.

-Double check to make
sure you are mixing the right chemicals. Many alchemy experiments often go
wrong when students are unaware of what they are mixing together, resulting in
the wrong product being produced or even worse, explosions.

-If you come in contact
with a chemical, use Tergeo to cleanse the affected area.

-Dittany is useful to
apply to areas affected by chemicals. After applying dittany, it is imperative
that you immediately see a healer.

-Do not touch others who
have produced the wrong charm or spell. Once the wrong spell or charm has been
determined, immediately follow the correct steps to fix it.

-Keep equipment away
from the edge of your work area. Elbows and other bodily appendages have been
known to knock over a cauldron or two before.