While potions are very magical in their action, the actual technology of making them seems more like chemistry than magic, assuming one has access to already-provided magical ingredients.
If that's the case, can a Muggle who found/was provided with all the right magical ingredients and the recipe actually make a magical potion?
Answer
As per Rowling herself, the answer is mostly "no".
Q: Can muggles brew potions if they follow the exact instructions and they have all of the ingredients?
J.K. Rowling: Well, I'd have to say no, because there is always... there are magical component in the potion, not just the ingredients. So, at some point they will have to use a wand. I've been asked what would happen if a Muggle picked up a magic wand in my world, and the answer would probably be something accidental... possibly quite violent. Because wands, in my world, is merely a vehicle, a vessel for what lies inside the person. There is a very close relationship -- as you know -- between the wand that each wizard uses and themselves. In fact, we'll find out more about that in book 7 (crowd applauds).
For a muggle you need the ability, in other words, to make these things work properly but you're right and I think that's an interesting point. Potions seems, on the face of it, to be the most Muggle-friendly subject. But there does come a point in which you need do more than stir.
Source: An Evening with Harry, Carrie and Garp: Readings and questions #1, August 1, 2006, Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY.
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