Basics of Alchemy - Period 5 - Monday, 9/29

[brandyforapples.livejournal.com]

Today, perhaps finally there was some minor lab equipment set up at the desks. Today, they were starting practical work, and Abby Irene herself couldn't be happier. The theory was all well and good, but you didn't really understand anything until you got your hands into it, deep down and dirty into it, got it under your fingernails and up in your hair.

There were no bad hair days like those experienced by alchemy students.

As the assembled made their way in, she smiled at them.

"Today, we start with the practical work."

"A Spagyric tincture will be our first lesson, and if you haven't smelled it already, you'll be working with peppermint today, as it is a Monday. If you look on the handout next to your equipment, you'll see a few species of herbs and their associated astrological bodies. It doesn't take much of a genius to figure out that Monday is the day of the Moon, but I've also included another handout with a chart for the astrological bodies and their associated days.

"Traditionally, we would try to start the work during the hour of the day associated with the planet that rules this plant, but we only have so many options with a class schedule, so the day will have to suffice. A quick prayer would not be amiss here, nor would an invocation of the plant but as these are more magical and personal than alchemical, I will leave them to your discretion.

"We then begin grinding the plant in the mortar and pestle provided in small quantities so as not to do a sloppy job, while concentrating on the work of bringing the plants qualities into fuller bloom. Alchemy is not an art where one might dawdle with the mind as the body works; true alchemy involves transformation in the physical, mental, and spiritual realms.

"When you've made a true powder of it, you would place it in the jars provided and start, very slowly, to pour in the grain alcohol. Only put so much as twice as it would take to cover all of the powder as room is needed for expansion as the contents heat during the maceration process. Place some of the plastic wrapping between the jar lip and the cover and close it tightly.

"This will take a couple of weeks, and so I will ask you all to take your jars home with you and tend to them once a day with a couple of shakes and perhaps a bit of contemplation. Your results will be all the better for the attention you give to this jar, and the respect you give to your own work."

[ocd up!]

Comments

Sign In - Basics of Alchemy - Class Five

[brandyforapples.livejournal.com]

Lab goggles anyone?

Re: Sign In - Basics of Alchemy - Class Five

[walks-two-paths.livejournal.com]

Savannah Levine

Re: Sign In - Basics of Alchemy - Class Five

[not_in_the_book]

Ronan Nolan

Re: Sign In - Basics of Alchemy - Class Five

[wannabe-pan.livejournal.com]

Andrew Wells

:Listen to the Lecture / Chat Amongst Yourselves

[brandyforapples.livejournal.com]

Nothing should explode if you don't pay attention. Well, maybe the teacher since you're doing practical work today.

Re: :Listen to the Lecture / Chat Amongst Yourselves

[walks-two-paths.livejournal.com]

Savannah was taking notes as she listened to Abby Irene's lecture.

Re: :Listen to the Lecture / Chat Amongst Yourselves

[shyest-eyes.livejournal.com]

Hinata was, of course, taking careful notes and paying close attention.

Re: :Listen to the Lecture / Chat Amongst Yourselves

[wantstodirect]

Tony took careful notes.

Re: :Listen to the Lecture / Chat Amongst Yourselves

[makescherries.livejournal.com]

Cimorene took careful notes, and made sure to renew her fireproofing spell just in case.

Re: :Listen to the Lecture / Chat Amongst Yourselves

[harrydresden.livejournal.com]

This was reminiscent of potion making. Harry was now thinking he should start smuggling Bob into class, except there was no way Bob could manage to behave the entire time.

Pair Up

[brandyforapples.livejournal.com]

"Please find a partner to start working on your tincture."

Re: Pair Up

[walks-two-paths.livejournal.com]

Savannah looked around for a partner.

Re: Pair Up

[shyest-eyes.livejournal.com]

"A-Ano," Hinata said tentatively, "if y-you still need a p-partner..."

Re: Pair Up

[walks-two-paths.livejournal.com]

Savannah smiled. "I'd love a partner."

Re: Pair Up

[wannabe-pan.livejournal.com]

Andrew was excited to grind things. He looked around for a partner.

Re: Pair Up

[wantstodirect]

"Hey," Tony grinned. "Wanna work together?"

Spagyric Tincture

[brandyforapples.livejournal.com]

All the supplies necessary are right there on the table, as well as some others.

Extra Credit: Ens tincture

[brandyforapples.livejournal.com]

"If you would like a little extra credit or just to get a bit more practical work done, I've provided the instructions for starting an Ens tincture (http://www.alchemywebsite.com/plant2.html), as well as the additional supplies necessary, both for brewing and safety's sake.

"Please feel free to call me over if you require any assistance."

TAs

[brandyforapples.livejournal.com]

They know where the fire extinguisher is! ...or they should, anyway. Not that they'll need it. Probably.

When they ping in, anyway.

Re: TAs

[walks-two-paths.livejournal.com]

Savannah was here.

Re: TAs

[likethegun]

Sam was there and would totally put anyone out if they caught on fire, really.

Abby Irene

[brandyforapples.livejournal.com]

She watched from her seat at the front of the class, looking out for any students trying to drink the grain alcohol as well as anyone who lookedl like they might need assistance.

She stuck around after class should she be needed as well.

OOC

[brandyforapples.livejournal.com]

YAY practical work.

UGH body hates me today.

Re: OOC

[harrydresden.livejournal.com]

I somehow missed seeing this post despite going looking for it twice yesterday. I have no idea how I managed this.

Re: OOC

[brandyforapples.livejournal.com]

I has magic, apparently.

...also, feel free to bring in Bob if you'd like. I think it would be hilarious.

*is a giant Dresden fan zomg*