This is something I found I needed for the quest mod I was working on, and figured it would be useful as a general resource. It's just hot and cold versions of the Alembic and Retort with liquid contents, to be used as static clutter in a mage's abode.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=32783

I didn't include any textures, it just uses ones from vanilla Oblivion, and there's only a Novice set. Since changing those is a simple choose or cut-and-paste operation in NifSkope (instructions included in the readme), I don't expect anyone to have any difficulty doing that. For textures, I'd suggest that it be used in conjunction with a potion resource, such as http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=29422 and the textures shared with that for a perfect match.

I placed copies in the TestAlchemyInterior off the Testing Hall, where they sit on a table with sample flames underneath the hot ones, and a white flame used as vapor over the hot retort, which looks quite effective.

It seems very cool. I must check them out. Any plans for a straight replacer rather than a resource?

That would be pretty cool. And slightly weird when you hold them upside down.

Yeah, thinking about it a replacer wouldn't work really - but it would be nice if it was possible to buy sets.

What do you mean by holding them upside down? If you mean animations, well, these use completely different and special models than those of usable items in the world. So this mod could do quite well as a replacer. And if you lower the center of gravity enough in the nif you can prevent the apparatus to stay in reverted position or on its side after you drop it on the ground.

Awesome stuff! I would be glad to see this as a mesh replacer too.

I don't get it. A mesh replacer means removing the empty ones from the game, and only having filled ones. Isn't it better to have both? Actually all three, because I'm providing hot and cold filled ones here.

There's also a minor annoyance to consider: the hot versions can't have collision, or they'd try to balance on top of the candle you put underneath to heat them. That makes them unsuitable to replace the standard apparatus.

Anyhow, it's a freely usable resource, so if someone wants to make a replacer from it, go ahead.