Inventing Potions

The Tools of Potions

In this lesson you will learn about the many tools used in fine art of potion making. And also the difference between type of vials & sizes of cauldrons.

  • Cauldrons (from Latin caldarium, hot bath) - Is an item similar to a bucket or kettle and is used to brew and hold potions and also may be used to carry supplies. Cauldrons are heated over an open fire and can be hung over a fire from an iron handle. Many cauldrons have magical properties. I shall to go into further details about this tool in another part of this lesson. 
  • Ladels - This tool is used for stirring or pouring a fully brewed potoin into vials. It also comes in metal, wood or plastic. Though, it is best to use a metal ladel, when dealing with any potion because most potions can either melt plastic ones or burn holes in wooden ones.
  • Scales (usually just "scale" in common usage; except in Australian English where "scales" is more common) - Is a measuring instrument for measuring the weight or mass of an object. A balance compares the unknown weight to a standard weight using a horizontal lever. There are four different kinds of scales brass, silver, gold and dragon.
  • Vials - is a relatively small glass vessel or bottle, especially used to store  liquids, powders or in other forms like muggle medication capsules.
  • Stopper - Are often used to seal vials so that it stops the liquid from pouring out. They are also used as part of laboratory work in the muggle world.
  • Mortar & Pestle - Is a tool used to crush, grind, and mix substances. The pestle is a heavy stick whose end is used for pounding and grinding, and the mortar is a bowl. The substance is ground between the pestle and the mortar.
  • Knives - is a handheld sharp-edged instrument consisting of handle attached to a blade used for cutting up ingredients or food. It can also be used to cut wood, ropes and other things. The knife is a tool that can be used as a weapon. Its origins date as far back as two-and-a-half million years ago, as evidenced by the Oldowan tools.

    • Different Cauldron Sizes & Type of Vials

    Cauldrons

    There are five different size cauldrons, when it comes to potions making. The bigger the size cauldron, the more water that needs to be added. For instance, if a potions call for four cups of water in a size two cauldron; you would only need to add half that for a size one cauldron or for a size three, four, and five, you would need to add double that amount.

    Size 1 - Is used for traveling.

    Size 2 - Is the size often asked for to students to buy, when taking any kind of potions class.

    Size 3 - These ones are often used in small kitchens, like cottages or apartments.

    Size 4 - These ones are often used in bigger places; like normal home kitchens, dungeons or mansions.

    Size 5 - These ones are often used in extra large kitchens; like pubs or restaurants.

    Now, cauldrons also come in about six different kinds or types; Pewter, Collapsable, Copper,  Brass, Silver, Self Stirring. All cauldrons are tested to make sure, they can stand up to great wear and useage, before they are solid to the public.

    Vials

    Most vials are clear so that potions masters and shop owners can tell the difference between the many kind potions. Though, there are colored vials that are used by some potions makers but they make sure to label them, once they have placed a stopper in them. Two type of commonly know vials used in potion making are crystal and glass. Glass vials can break after being dropped from height of a desk but a crystal vial needs to dropped from the roof of a one story house; before it will break.

    Homework

    Your answer to these questions must be pmed to.

    1. Give me the names, of a least three of tools, used in potion making.

    2. What are the four different kinds of scales?

    3. Why is it best to use metal ladel?

    4. How far back can knives be traced back to?

    5. How much water would you need to add to a size five cauldron, if it calls for 6 cups of water in a size two cauldron?

    6. How many different size and types of cauldrons, are there?

    7. Why do most potion masters, makers and shop owners use clear vials, instead of colored ones?

    8. How high would have to be, to break a glass and crystal vial?

    9. Extra Credit (Worth 30 Points) - What did Bruno Schmidt of Germany kill an Erkling?  Who invented the self-stirring cauldron?