i can now identify all effects of reagents. how do i get the benefit from more than the combination of 2 properties? i've tried putting more into the list but haven't had any luck. it only shows the 1 effect. what am i doing wrong? i've been having this problem from the begining of my alchemy advancement. just never thought to ask for some unkown reason

Your first two ingredients share one effect, right? But each has three other effects, so put as your third ingredient something which matches one of those other effects.

For example, Steel-Bue Entoloma and Flax Seed both give you Restore Magicka. Flax Seed also has Feather and Shield. So add Emetic Russula, which also has Shield, and you get a potion of Restore Magicka and Shield. Add another ingredient that has Feather, and you'll get that effect as well.

You may get some unintended negative (poison) effects with some combinations, but they're generally short-duration, and they get weaker as your skill and equipmnet improves.

If you want to make multiple effect poisons, you have to be sure that there are no positive effects in common (because then it would be a potion, not a poison.)

I use a 5 effect potion/poison on my arrows. Maybe if you study it, you will be able to figure it out as you add each of the ingredients. Go around to the vendors and buy : Harrada, Spiddle Stick, Frost Salts, and Milk Thistle Seed. Place them into the Alchemy thing in that order, one at a time, and watch the results as each one is inserted. That should give you a clue as to how more effects are added. I think it comes out different if you use a different load order … not sure.

thanks guys. much appreciated

does it matter what "level" the mortar & pestle, calcinator,alembic & retort are at? do i even need all 4 items to make the pots?

The only item absolutely required is the mortar and pestle. The quality of the apparatuses effects the magnitude and duration of the effects.