Potions Master Question

[cowardly_heroic]

No: HPFGUIDX 94000

> Neri said:
> Potions, on the other hand, seems to be less a distinguished field
> than Charms and DADA, not to mention Transfiguration. It is important
> because of its obvious utility, but it doesn't have a strong
> theoretical basis, but seems to have its roots in the humble skill of
> cooking.
> 
>  
> Suzanne:
> Cooking? I'd say it's more like chemistry, myself, which I consider a
> highly distinguished field.
 
Patty, replying somewhat late in the discussion:
Forgive me, I don't have my HP books w/ me, but where does it show in 
the books that transfiguration is a more distinguished field than potions?  
If we are trying to compare them to actual muggle fields of sciences, I 
would have to say that Potions has more of a base in biochemistry and 
physical chemistry....the hardest fields in chemistry -- along with biology 
thrown into the mix.  Transfigurations I would guess would be a cross 
between biology and physics.  And, honestly, from my and several of my 
physics and pre-med colleagues' experiences, to us, higher level 
chemistry is much harder and much more distinguished than higher level 
physics...no offense to you physics majors out there.  I would also think 
that all of the fields of magic would be dangerous when not applied 
correctly.  I would have to say both transfiguration and potions require a 
lot of intelligence and learning, and that both are steeped in a strong 
theoretical basis.  As for charms, I don't really see how it's more 
distinguished other than the fact that it is probably the most useful out of 
the rest of the fields.  It does not have as much application of knowledge 
and is more set on memorization than potions.  And for DADA, I'd have 
to say that it's not so much distinguished but it is more of a class that 
students see that should be "fun" and exciting due to the hype of being 
an auror.  A lot of the times, distinguished does not always mean 
popular or more known to the general public.  I don't know...I'm just 
babbling.  
 
Patty