Tool

Alembic
The alembic is optional and decreases the magnitude of all negative potion effects. So if you are planning on creating just positive effect potions, you will not necessarily need this apparatus.

Calcinator
The calcinator is optional and increases the magnitude and duration of ALL effects, both postive and negative.

Mortar & Pestle
The one apparatus that is required for Alchemy is the mortar and pestle. This is the basic apparatus you need to combine two or more ingredients into a potion.

Retort
The retort is optional and increases the magnitude and duration of all positive potion effects.