Fundaments of Alchemy Fundaments of Alchemy is a book written by Alyandon Mathierry . It details the fundamentals of the craft of Alchemy , as the title suggests . Relatively inexpensive , all the Mages Guild halls in Cyrodiil carry many copies . Bookstores sell them as well . Content . Often overlooked by aspiring mages , Alchemy is a time - honored , rewarding discipline that can change the lives of those who master it . It is difficult , and often dangerous , to advance one ' s knowledge of the materials used in alchemical formulas , but continued study and hard work will , in the end , reward the alchemist greatly . Before success can be achieved , or even attempted , the beginning alchemist must understand the basic principles behind his craft . Many items in our world , mostly organic in nature , can be broken down into more fundamental essences with magickal properties . The more skilled the Alchemist , the more properites of an ingredient that can be harnessed . Combining the essences of two or more Ingredients can result in the creation of a Potion , which anyone may then drink . ( Legend has it that a truly great Alchemist can brew potions from a single ingredient , a feat well beyond the capabilities of most . ) The Alchemist ' s potion can have several effects , depending on the ingredients used , and not all effects are beneficial . In many cases , recipes result in a potion with a mix of positive and negative effects ; it is up to the Alchemist to determine which recipes yield the best results . ( It is worth noting that potions can be created to have only negative effects and be used as poisons . This practice is not recommended by the author , and this text shall not discuss such potions further . ) Wortcraft . Wortcraft is , in fact , amateur Alchemy . Eating an ingredient requires grinding it against the teeth , which occasionally releases its simplest essence and results in a fleeting effect on the eater . Wortcraft never has as strong a result as a potion created using the proper tools . An Alchemist ' s Tools . The Mortar and Pestle is the Alchemist ' s most important and essential tool . Without it , no ingredient can be correctly prepared for use in a potion . The budding alchemist is advised to keep a mortar and pestle on hand at all times , and become comfortable with its use early on . The simple grinding of an ingredient is the most fundamental step in brewing potions . When properly ground , the petals of the Redwort flower yield a powder that can , when mixed correctly with another ingredient such as ginseng , create a potion to cure poison . ( This is one formula that many alchemists are quick to learn and retain , as mistakes in potion mixing often require its use . ) The advanced Alchemist has other tools at his disposal to improve the quality of his potions . A Retort can be employed to purify the mixture , improving the positive effects of a potion . Washing the mixture through an Alembic helps to distill the potion , reducing any negative effects , and a Calcinator can be used to burn away impurities in the mixture , increasing the potency of all the potion ' s effects . While these apparatus are not necessary to create potions , it is advised that they be used whenever possible . Ingredient Combination . A potion is only as good as its ingredients . Only those with identical effects may be combined to make a potion ; up to four ingredients may be successfully used in a single potion . As the Alchemist gains skill in preparing ingredients , new properties may be discovered and can be used in creating potions . While this can be an exciting time , expanding the Alchemist ' s repertoire , he should take care to check carefully which effects his potions will contain when he is done brewing . Many established recipes may have new results , not all of which are beneficial .