Six Common Alchemical Processes (CWH)

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While the creation of potions and other magical substances often involves a complex series of laboratory techniques, there are a number of basic processes common to most experiments.
==1. Calcination==
This is the process of reducing substances (usually minerals and metals) to ash by first crushing or grinding them to powder, then subjecting them to high heat.
==2. Sublimation==
This is the process of heating a solid substance until it is vaporized, then quickly cooling the vapor to return it to a solid form.
==3. Distillation==
This is the process of boiling a liquid until it turns to vapor, then cooling the vapor until it condenses back into a liquid, thus purifying the liquid.
==4. Absorption/Adsorption==
This is a method for purifying gases or liquids by exposing them to charcoal particles or other filtering substances; the impurities are attracted to the particles, thus purifying the gas or liquid. If the impurities are actually taken inside the particles, then absorption has taken place. If the impurities remain on the surface of the particles, then adsorption has occurred.
==5. Flame Test==
This is a method of identifying unknown substances by holding them in a hot flame. The color of the flame indicates the nature of the substance; for instance, a green flame indicates the presence of copper.
==6. Chromatography==
This is a simple method for analyzing certain types of unknown substances. The substance is first dissolved in water or other liquid. A sample of the liquid then is poured into a glass tube lined with filter paper, and a solvent is added. Because the components of the substance move through the filter at different speeds, each will appear as a different colored band in the tube.