diff --git a/src/alchemy.c b/src/alchemy.c
index 83b4ffcd0..29db8ce85 100644
--- a/src/alchemy.c
+++ b/src/alchemy.c
@@ -48,7 +48,41 @@ OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE.
 #include <string.h>
 #include <assert.h>
 
-/* ------------------------------------------------------------- */
+typedef struct potion_type {
+    struct potion_type *next;
+    const struct item_type *itype;
+    int level;
+} potion_type;
+
+static potion_type *potiontypes;
+
+static void pt_register(potion_type * ptype)
+{
+    ptype->next = potiontypes;
+    potiontypes = ptype;
+}
+
+void new_potiontype(item_type * itype, int level)
+{
+    potion_type *ptype;
+
+    ptype = (potion_type *)calloc(sizeof(potion_type), 1);
+    itype->flags |= ITF_POTION;
+    ptype->itype = itype;
+    ptype->level = level;
+    pt_register(ptype);
+}
+
+int potion_level(const item_type *itype)
+{
+    potion_type *ptype;
+    for (ptype = potiontypes; ptype; ptype = ptype->next) {
+        if (ptype->itype == itype) {
+            return ptype->level;
+        }
+    }
+    return 0;
+}
 
 void herbsearch(unit * u, int max_take)
 {
@@ -95,33 +129,37 @@ void herbsearch(unit * u, int max_take)
     }
 }
 
-static int begin_potion(unit * u, const potion_type * ptype, struct order *ord)
+static int begin_potion(unit * u, const item_type * itype, struct order *ord)
 {
-    bool rule_multipotion;
-    assert(ptype != NULL);
+    static int config;
+    static bool rule_multipotion;
+
+    assert(itype);
+    if (config_changed(&config)) {
+        /* should we allow multiple different potions to be used the same turn? */
+        rule_multipotion = config_get_int("rules.magic.multipotion", 0) != 0;
+    }
 
-    /* should we allow multiple different potions to be used the same turn? */
-    rule_multipotion = config_get_int("rules.magic.multipotion", 0) != 0;
     if (!rule_multipotion) {
-        const potion_type *use = ugetpotionuse(u);
-        if (use != NULL && use != ptype) {
+        const item_type *use = ugetpotionuse(u);
+        if (use != NULL && use != itype) {
             ADDMSG(&u->faction->msgs,
                 msg_message("errusingpotion", "unit using command",
-                u, use->itype->rtype, ord));
+                u, use->rtype, ord));
             return ECUSTOM;
         }
     }
     return 0;
 }
 
-static void end_potion(unit * u, const potion_type * ptype, int amount)
+static void end_potion(unit * u, const item_type * itype, int amount)
 {
-    use_pooled(u, ptype->itype->rtype, GET_SLACK | GET_RESERVE | GET_POOLED_SLACK,
+    use_pooled(u, itype->rtype, GET_SLACK | GET_RESERVE | GET_POOLED_SLACK,
         amount);
-    usetpotionuse(u, ptype);
+    usetpotionuse(u, itype);
 
     ADDMSG(&u->faction->msgs, msg_message("usepotion",
-        "unit potion", u, ptype->itype->rtype));
+        "unit potion", u, itype->rtype));
 }
 
 static int potion_water_of_life(unit * u, region *r, int amount) {
@@ -157,6 +195,22 @@ static int potion_water_of_life(unit * u, region *r, int amount) {
     return amount;
 }
 
+void show_potions(faction *f, int sklevel)
+{
+    const potion_type *ptype;
+    for (ptype = potiontypes; ptype; ptype = ptype->next) {
+        if (ptype->level > 0 && sklevel == ptype->level * 2) {
+            attrib *a = a_find(f->attribs, &at_showitem);
+            while (a && a->type == &at_showitem && a->data.v != ptype)
+                a = a->next;
+            if (a == NULL || a->type != &at_showitem) {
+                a = a_add(&f->attribs, a_new(&at_showitem));
+                a->data.v = (void *)ptype->itype;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 static int potion_healing(unit * u, int amount) {
     int maxhp = unit_max_hp(u) * u->number;
     u->hp = u->hp + 400 * amount;
@@ -185,42 +239,40 @@ static int potion_power(unit *u, int amount) {
     return amount;
 }
 
-static int do_potion(unit * u, region *r, const potion_type * ptype, int amount)
+static int do_potion(unit * u, region *r, const item_type * itype, int amount)
 {
-    if (ptype == oldpotiontype[P_LIFE]) {
+    if (itype == oldpotiontype[P_LIFE]) {
         return potion_water_of_life(u, r, amount);
     }
-    else if (ptype == oldpotiontype[P_HEILWASSER]) {
+    else if (itype == oldpotiontype[P_HEILWASSER]) {
         return potion_healing(u, amount);
     }
-    else if (ptype == oldpotiontype[P_PEOPLE]) {
+    else if (itype == oldpotiontype[P_PEOPLE]) {
         return potion_luck(u, r, &at_peasantluck, amount);
     }
-    else if (ptype == oldpotiontype[P_HORSE]) {
+    else if (itype == oldpotiontype[P_HORSE]) {
         return potion_luck(u, r, &at_horseluck, amount);
     }
-    else if (ptype == oldpotiontype[P_MACHT]) {
+    else if (itype == oldpotiontype[P_MACHT]) {
         return potion_power(u, amount);
     }
     else {
-        change_effect(u, ptype, 10 * amount);
+        change_effect(u, itype, 10 * amount);
     }
     return amount;
 }
 
 int use_potion(unit * u, const item_type * itype, int amount, struct order *ord)
 {
-    const potion_type *ptype = resource2potion(itype->rtype);
-
-    if (oldpotiontype[P_HEAL] && ptype == oldpotiontype[P_HEAL]) {
+    if (oldpotiontype[P_HEAL] && itype == oldpotiontype[P_HEAL]) {
         return EUNUSABLE;
     }
     else {
-        int result = begin_potion(u, ptype, ord);
+        int result = begin_potion(u, itype, ord);
         if (result)
             return result;
-        amount = do_potion(u, u->region, ptype, amount);
-        end_potion(u, ptype, amount);
+        amount = do_potion(u, u->region, itype, amount);
+        end_potion(u, itype, amount);
     }
     return 0;
 }
@@ -228,7 +280,7 @@ int use_potion(unit * u, const item_type * itype, int amount, struct order *ord)
 typedef struct potiondelay {
     unit *u;
     region *r;
-    const potion_type *ptype;
+    const item_type *itype;
     int amount;
 } potiondelay;
 
@@ -245,7 +297,7 @@ static int age_potiondelay(attrib * a, void *owner)
 {
     potiondelay *pd = (potiondelay *)a->data.v;
     UNUSED_ARG(owner);
-    pd->amount = do_potion(pd->u, pd->r, pd->ptype, pd->amount);
+    pd->amount = do_potion(pd->u, pd->r, pd->itype, pd->amount);
     return AT_AGE_REMOVE;
 }
 
@@ -256,13 +308,13 @@ attrib_type at_potiondelay = {
     age_potiondelay, 0, 0
 };
 
-static attrib *make_potiondelay(unit * u, const potion_type * ptype, int amount)
+static attrib *make_potiondelay(unit * u, const item_type * itype, int amount)
 {
     attrib *a = a_new(&at_potiondelay);
     potiondelay *pd = (potiondelay *)a->data.v;
     pd->u = u;
     pd->r = u->region;
-    pd->ptype = ptype;
+    pd->itype = itype;
     pd->amount = amount;
     return a;
 }
@@ -271,14 +323,13 @@ int
 use_potion_delayed(unit * u, const item_type * itype, int amount,
 struct order *ord)
 {
-    const potion_type *ptype = resource2potion(itype->rtype);
-    int result = begin_potion(u, ptype, ord);
+    int result = begin_potion(u, itype, ord);
     if (result)
         return result;
 
-    a_add(&u->attribs, make_potiondelay(u, ptype, amount));
+    a_add(&u->attribs, make_potiondelay(u, itype, amount));
 
-    end_potion(u, ptype, amount);
+    end_potion(u, itype, amount);
     return 0;
 }
 
@@ -301,7 +352,7 @@ a_writeeffect(const attrib * a, const void *owner, struct storage *store)
 {
     effect_data *edata = (effect_data *)a->data.v;
     UNUSED_ARG(owner);
-    WRITE_TOK(store, resourcename(edata->type->itype->rtype, 0));
+    WRITE_TOK(store, resourcename(edata->type->rtype, 0));
     WRITE_INT(store, edata->value);
 }
 
@@ -318,14 +369,16 @@ static int a_readeffect(attrib * a, void *owner, struct gamedata *data)
     rtype = rt_find(zText);
 
     READ_INT(store, &power);
-    if (rtype == NULL || rtype->ptype == NULL || power <= 0) {
+    if (rtype == NULL || rtype->itype == NULL || power <= 0) {
         return AT_READ_FAIL;
     }
-    if (rtype->ptype==oldpotiontype[P_HEAL]) {
-        /* healing potions used to have long-term effects */
-        return AT_READ_FAIL;
+    if (data->version < NOLANDITEM_VERSION) {
+        if (rtype->itype == oldpotiontype[P_HEAL]) {
+            /* healing potions used to have long-term effects */
+            return AT_READ_FAIL;
+        }
     }
-    edata->type = rtype->ptype;
+    edata->type = rtype->itype;
     edata->value = power;
     return AT_READ_OK;
 }
@@ -339,7 +392,7 @@ attrib_type at_effect = {
     a_readeffect,
 };
 
-int get_effect(const unit * u, const potion_type * effect)
+int get_effect(const unit * u, const item_type * effect)
 {
     const attrib *a;
     for (a = a_find(u->attribs, &at_effect); a != NULL && a->type == &at_effect;
@@ -351,7 +404,7 @@ int get_effect(const unit * u, const potion_type * effect)
     return 0;
 }
 
-int change_effect(unit * u, const potion_type * effect, int delta)
+int change_effect(unit * u, const item_type * effect, int delta)
 {
     if (delta != 0) {
         attrib *a = a_find(u->attribs, &at_effect);
diff --git a/src/alchemy.h b/src/alchemy.h
index b89d1c27f..f8cebd3db 100644
--- a/src/alchemy.h
+++ b/src/alchemy.h
@@ -26,9 +26,12 @@ extern "C" {
     struct potion_type;
     struct unit;
     struct region;
+    struct faction;
     struct item_type;
     struct order;
 
+    extern struct attrib_type at_effect;
+
     enum {
         /* Stufe 1 */
         P_FAST,
@@ -52,22 +55,23 @@ extern "C" {
         MAX_POTIONS
     };
 
+    void new_potiontype(struct item_type * itype, int level);
+    int potion_level(const struct item_type *itype);
+    void show_potions(struct faction *f, int sklevel);
+
     void herbsearch(struct unit *u, int max);
-    extern int use_potion(struct unit *u, const struct item_type *itype,
+    int use_potion(struct unit *u, const struct item_type *itype,
         int amount, struct order *);
-    extern int use_potion_delayed(struct unit *u, const struct item_type *itype,
+    int use_potion_delayed(struct unit *u, const struct item_type *itype,
         int amount, struct order *);
-    extern void init_potions(void);
 
-
-    extern int get_effect(const struct unit *u, const struct potion_type *effect);
-    extern int change_effect(struct unit *u, const struct potion_type *effect,
+    int get_effect(const struct unit *u, const struct item_type *effect);
+    int change_effect(struct unit *u, const struct item_type *effect,
         int value);
-    extern struct attrib_type at_effect;
 
     /* rausnehmen, sobald man attribute splitten kann: */
     typedef struct effect_data {
-        const struct potion_type *type;
+        const struct item_type *type;
         int value;
     } effect_data;
 
diff --git a/src/battle.c b/src/battle.c
index ab5fa2ca1..04cc1904d 100644
--- a/src/battle.c
+++ b/src/battle.c
@@ -1298,11 +1298,11 @@ terminate(troop dt, troop at, int type, const char *damage, bool missile)
     }
 
     if (oldpotiontype[P_HEAL] && !fval(&df->person[dt.index], FL_HEALING_USED)) {
-        if (i_get(du->items, oldpotiontype[P_HEAL]->itype) > 0) {
+        if (i_get(du->items, oldpotiontype[P_HEAL]) > 0) {
             message *m = msg_message("potionsave", "unit", du);
             battle_message_faction(b, du->faction, m);
             msg_release(m);
-            i_change(&du->items, oldpotiontype[P_HEAL]->itype, -1);
+            i_change(&du->items, oldpotiontype[P_HEAL], -1);
             fset(&df->person[dt.index], FL_HEALING_USED);
             df->person[dt.index].hp = u_race(du)->hitpoints * 5; /* give the person a buffer */
             return false;
diff --git a/src/bind_unit.c b/src/bind_unit.c
index a681a201d..aea404597 100644
--- a/src/bind_unit.c
+++ b/src/bind_unit.c
@@ -366,13 +366,10 @@ static int tolua_unit_get_effect(lua_State * L)
     const unit *self = (unit *)tolua_tousertype(L, 1, 0);
     const char *potion_name = tolua_tostring(L, 2, 0);
     int result = -1;
-    const potion_type *pt_potion;
     const item_type *it_potion = it_find(potion_name);
 
     if (it_potion != NULL) {
-        pt_potion = it_potion->rtype->ptype;
-        if (pt_potion != NULL)
-            result = get_effect(self, pt_potion);
+        result = get_effect(self, it_potion);
     }
 
     lua_pushinteger(L, result);
diff --git a/src/creport.c b/src/creport.c
index 4e8fe95b6..912011911 100644
--- a/src/creport.c
+++ b/src/creport.c
@@ -276,7 +276,7 @@ cr_output_curses(struct stream *out, const faction * viewer, const void *obj, ob
         else if (a->type == &at_effect && self) {
             effect_data *data = (effect_data *)a->data.v;
             if (data->value > 0) {
-                const char *key = resourcename(data->type->itype->rtype, 0);
+                const char *key = resourcename(data->type->rtype, 0);
                 if (!header) {
                     header = 1;
                     stream_printf(out, "EFFECTS\n");
@@ -1652,27 +1652,26 @@ report_computer(const char *filename, report_context * ctx, const char *bom)
     }
     for (a = a_find(f->attribs, &at_showitem); a && a->type == &at_showitem;
         a = a->next) {
-        const potion_type *ptype =
-            resource2potion(((const item_type *)a->data.v)->rtype);
+        const item_type *itype = (const item_type *)a->data.v;
         const char *ch;
         const char *description = NULL;
 
-        if (ptype == NULL)
+        if (itype == NULL)
             continue;
-        ch = resourcename(ptype->itype->rtype, 0);
+        ch = resourcename(itype->rtype, 0);
         fprintf(F, "TRANK %d\n", str_hash(ch));
         fprintf(F, "\"%s\";Name\n", translate(ch, LOC(f->locale, ch)));
-        fprintf(F, "%d;Stufe\n", ptype->level);
+        fprintf(F, "%d;Stufe\n", potion_level(itype));
 
         if (description == NULL) {
-            const char *pname = resourcename(ptype->itype->rtype, 0);
+            const char *pname = resourcename(itype->rtype, 0);
             const char *potiontext = mkname("potion", pname);
             description = LOC(f->locale, potiontext);
         }
 
         fprintf(F, "\"%s\";Beschr\n", description);
-        if (ptype->itype->construction) {
-            requirement *m = ptype->itype->construction->materials;
+        if (itype->construction) {
+            requirement *m = itype->construction->materials;
 
             fprintf(F, "ZUTATEN\n");
 
diff --git a/src/economy.c b/src/economy.c
index ef38ef8af..fcba85955 100644
--- a/src/economy.c
+++ b/src/economy.c
@@ -1233,14 +1233,14 @@ void split_allocations(region * r)
     allocations = NULL;
 }
 
-static void create_potion(unit * u, const potion_type * ptype, int want)
+static void create_potion(unit * u, const item_type * itype, int want)
 {
     int built;
 
     if (want == 0) {
-        want = maxbuild(u, ptype->itype->construction);
+        want = maxbuild(u, itype->construction);
     }
-    built = build(u, ptype->itype->construction, 0, want, 0);
+    built = build(u, itype->construction, 0, want, 0);
     switch (built) {
     case ELOWSKILL:
     case ENEEDSKILL:
@@ -1253,16 +1253,16 @@ static void create_potion(unit * u, const potion_type * ptype, int want)
     case ENOMATERIALS:
         /* something missing from the list of materials */
         ADDMSG(&u->faction->msgs, msg_materials_required(u, u->thisorder,
-            ptype->itype->construction, want));
+            itype->construction, want));
         return;
         break;
     default:
-        i_change(&u->items, ptype->itype, built);
+        i_change(&u->items, itype, built);
         if (want == INT_MAX)
             want = built;
         ADDMSG(&u->faction->msgs, msg_message("produce",
             "unit region amount wanted resource", u, u->region, built, want,
-            ptype->itype->rtype));
+            itype->rtype));
         break;
     }
 }
@@ -1277,11 +1277,12 @@ void make_item(unit * u, const item_type * itype, int want)
         allocate_resource(u, itype->rtype, want);
     }
     else {
-        const potion_type *ptype = resource2potion(itype->rtype);
-        if (ptype != NULL)
-            create_potion(u, ptype, want);
-        else if (itype->construction && itype->construction->materials)
+        if (itype->flags & ITF_POTION) {
+            create_potion(u, itype, want);
+        }
+        else if (itype->construction && itype->construction->materials) {
             manufacture(u, itype, want);
+        }
         else {
             ADDMSG(&u->faction->msgs, msg_feedback(u, u->thisorder,
                 "error_cannotmake", ""));
diff --git a/src/helpers.c b/src/helpers.c
index 5015fe401..b5c4c05ba 100644
--- a/src/helpers.c
+++ b/src/helpers.c
@@ -281,7 +281,7 @@ use_item_lua(unit *u, const item_type *itype, int amount, struct order *ord)
         return result;
     }
     lua_pop(L, 1);
-    if (itype->rtype->ptype) {
+    if (itype->flags & ITF_POTION) {
         return use_potion(u, itype, amount, ord);
     } else {
         log_error("no such callout: %s", fname);
diff --git a/src/items.c b/src/items.c
index 94afd8ca1..2a2248279 100644
--- a/src/items.c
+++ b/src/items.c
@@ -268,7 +268,7 @@ static int use_foolpotion(unit *u, const item_type *itype, int amount,
     ADDMSG(&u->faction->msgs, msg_message("givedumb",
         "unit recipient amount", u, target, amount));
 
-    change_effect(target, itype->rtype->ptype, amount);
+    change_effect(target, itype, amount);
     use_pooled(u, itype->rtype, GET_DEFAULT, amount);
     return 0;
 }
@@ -278,7 +278,7 @@ use_bloodpotion(struct unit *u, const struct item_type *itype, int amount,
 struct order *ord)
 {
     if (u->number == 0 || u_race(u) == get_race(RC_DAEMON)) {
-        change_effect(u, itype->rtype->ptype, 100 * amount);
+        change_effect(u, itype, 100 * amount);
     }
     else {
         const race *irace = u_irace(u);
@@ -302,7 +302,7 @@ struct order *ord)
     }
     use_pooled(u, itype->rtype, GET_SLACK | GET_RESERVE | GET_POOLED_SLACK,
         amount);
-    usetpotionuse(u, itype->rtype->ptype);
+    usetpotionuse(u, itype);
 
     ADDMSG(&u->faction->msgs, msg_message("usepotion",
         "unit potion", u, itype->rtype));
@@ -335,7 +335,7 @@ struct order *ord)
     }
     use_pooled(user, itype->rtype, GET_SLACK | GET_RESERVE | GET_POOLED_SLACK,
         amount);
-    usetpotionuse(user, itype->rtype->ptype);
+    usetpotionuse(user, itype);
 
     ADDMSG(&user->faction->msgs, msg_message("usepotion",
         "unit potion", user, itype->rtype));
@@ -408,7 +408,7 @@ static int use_warmthpotion(unit *u, const item_type *itype,
     }
     use_pooled(u, itype->rtype, GET_SLACK | GET_RESERVE | GET_POOLED_SLACK,
         amount);
-    usetpotionuse(u, itype->rtype->ptype);
+    usetpotionuse(u, itype);
 
     ADDMSG(&u->faction->msgs, msg_message("usepotion",
         "unit potion", u, itype->rtype));
diff --git a/src/kernel/build.test.c b/src/kernel/build.test.c
index eab2a6f00..ece28f4eb 100644
--- a/src/kernel/build.test.c
+++ b/src/kernel/build.test.c
@@ -161,12 +161,12 @@ static void test_build_with_ring(CuTest *tc) {
 static void test_build_with_potion(CuTest *tc) {
     build_fixture bf = { 0 };
     unit *u;
-    const potion_type *ptype;
+    const item_type *ptype;
     const struct resource_type *rtype;
 
     u = setup_build(&bf);
     rtype = bf.cons.materials[0].rtype;
-    oldpotiontype[P_DOMORE] = ptype = new_potiontype(it_get_or_create(rt_get_or_create("hodor")), 1);
+    oldpotiontype[P_DOMORE] = ptype = it_get_or_create(rt_get_or_create("hodor"));
     assert(rtype && ptype);
 
     i_change(&u->items, rtype->itype, 20);
diff --git a/src/kernel/item.c b/src/kernel/item.c
index 2eabd4aa5..f7ce28835 100644
--- a/src/kernel/item.c
+++ b/src/kernel/item.c
@@ -60,7 +60,6 @@ static critbit_tree inames[MAXLOCALES];
 static critbit_tree rnames[MAXLOCALES];
 static critbit_tree cb_resources;
 luxury_type *luxurytypes;
-potion_type *potiontypes;
 
 #define RTYPENAMELEN 24
 typedef struct rt_entry {
@@ -315,28 +314,8 @@ armor_type *new_armortype(item_type * itype, double penalty, variant magres,
     return atype;
 }
 
-static void pt_register(potion_type * ptype)
+void it_set_appearance(item_type *itype, const char *appearance)
 {
-    ptype->itype->rtype->ptype = ptype;
-    ptype->next = potiontypes;
-    potiontypes = ptype;
-}
-
-potion_type *new_potiontype(item_type * itype, int level)
-{
-    potion_type *ptype;
-
-    assert(resource2potion(itype->rtype) == NULL);
-
-    ptype = (potion_type *)calloc(sizeof(potion_type), 1);
-    ptype->itype = itype;
-    ptype->level = level;
-    pt_register(ptype);
-
-    return ptype;
-}
-
-void it_set_appearance(item_type *itype, const char *appearance) {
     assert(itype);
     assert(itype->rtype);
     if (appearance) {
@@ -377,18 +356,6 @@ const luxury_type *resource2luxury(const resource_type * rtype)
 #endif
 }
 
-const potion_type *resource2potion(const resource_type * rtype)
-{
-#ifdef AT_PTYPE
-    attrib *a = a_find(rtype->attribs, &at_ptype);
-    if (a)
-        return (const potion_type *)a->data.v;
-    return NULL;
-#else
-    return rtype->ptype;
-#endif
-}
-
 resource_type *rt_find(const char *name)
 {
     const void *match;
@@ -573,7 +540,7 @@ item *i_new(const item_type * itype, int size)
     return i;
 }
 
-const potion_type *oldpotiontype[MAX_POTIONS + 1];
+const item_type *oldpotiontype[MAX_POTIONS + 1];
 
 /*** alte items ***/
 
@@ -677,7 +644,7 @@ static void init_oldpotions(void)
     for (p = 0; p != MAX_POTIONS; ++p) {
         item_type *itype = it_find(potionnames[p]);
         if (itype != NULL) {
-            oldpotiontype[p] = itype->rtype->ptype;
+            oldpotiontype[p] = itype;
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/src/kernel/item.h b/src/kernel/item.h
index cc5991ed6..c289005df 100644
--- a/src/kernel/item.h
+++ b/src/kernel/item.h
@@ -80,7 +80,6 @@ extern "C" {
         struct resource_mod *modifiers;
         /* --- pointers --- */
         struct item_type *itype;
-        struct potion_type *ptype;
         struct luxury_type *ltype;
         struct weapon_type *wtype;
         struct armor_type *atype;
@@ -99,6 +98,7 @@ extern "C" {
 #define ITF_ANIMAL           0x0010     /* an animal */
 #define ITF_VEHICLE          0x0020     /* a vehicle, drawn by two animals */
 #define ITF_CANUSE           0x0040     /* can be used with use_item_fun callout */
+#define ITF_POTION           0x0080     /* is a potion (for use_potion) */
 
     /* error codes for item_type::use */
 #define ECUSTOM   -1
@@ -128,13 +128,6 @@ extern "C" {
     } luxury_type;
     extern luxury_type *luxurytypes;
 
-    typedef struct potion_type {
-        struct potion_type *next;
-        const item_type *itype;
-        int level;
-    } potion_type;
-    extern potion_type *potiontypes;
-
 #define WMF_WALKING         0x0001
 #define WMF_RIDING          0x0002
 #define WMF_ANYONE          0x000F      /* convenience */
@@ -206,7 +199,6 @@ extern "C" {
     const resource_type *item2resource(const item_type * i);
 
     const weapon_type *resource2weapon(const resource_type * i);
-    const potion_type *resource2potion(const resource_type * i);
     const luxury_type *resource2luxury(const resource_type * i);
 
     item **i_find(item ** pi, const item_type * it);
@@ -234,8 +226,6 @@ extern "C" {
         skill_t sk);
     armor_type *new_armortype(item_type * itype, double penalty,
         variant magres, int prot, unsigned int flags);
-    potion_type *new_potiontype(item_type * itype, int level);
-
 
     /* these constants are used with get_resourcetype.
      * The order of the enum is not important for stored data.
@@ -285,7 +275,7 @@ extern "C" {
         NORESOURCE = -1
     } resource_t;
 
-    extern const struct potion_type *oldpotiontype[];
+    extern const struct item_type *oldpotiontype[];
     const struct resource_type *get_resourcetype(resource_t rt);
     struct item *item_spoil(const struct race *rc, int size);
 
diff --git a/src/kernel/unit.c b/src/kernel/unit.c
index 28f227ff5..fb07d782e 100644
--- a/src/kernel/unit.c
+++ b/src/kernel/unit.c
@@ -585,7 +585,7 @@ attrib_type at_potionuser = {
     NO_READ
 };
 
-void usetpotionuse(unit * u, const potion_type * ptype)
+void usetpotionuse(unit * u, const item_type * ptype)
 {
     attrib *a = a_find(u->attribs, &at_potionuser);
     if (!a)
@@ -593,12 +593,12 @@ void usetpotionuse(unit * u, const potion_type * ptype)
     a->data.v = (void *)ptype;
 }
 
-const potion_type *ugetpotionuse(const unit * u)
+const item_type *ugetpotionuse(const unit * u)
 {
     attrib *a = a_find(u->attribs, &at_potionuser);
     if (!a)
         return NULL;
-    return (const potion_type *)a->data.v;
+    return (const item_type *)a->data.v;
 }
 
 /*********************/
diff --git a/src/kernel/unit.h b/src/kernel/unit.h
index 53f9836db..91a3ec930 100644
--- a/src/kernel/unit.h
+++ b/src/kernel/unit.h
@@ -28,11 +28,14 @@ OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE.
 extern "C" {
 #endif
 
-#define MAXUNITS 1048573       /* must be prime for hashing. 524287 was >90% full */
     struct skill;
     struct item;
     struct sc_mage;
     struct gamedata;
+    struct item_type;
+
+#define MAXUNITS 1048573       /* should be prime for hashing. 524287 was >90% full */
+
 #define UFL_DEAD          (1<<0)
 #define UFL_ISNEW         (1<<1)        /* 2 */
 #define UFL_LONGACTION    (1<<2)        /* 4 */
@@ -147,8 +150,8 @@ extern "C" {
     const char *uprivate(const struct unit *u);
     void usetprivate(struct unit *u, const char *c);
 
-    const struct potion_type *ugetpotionuse(const struct unit *u);        /* benutzt u einein trank? */
-    void usetpotionuse(struct unit *u, const struct potion_type *p);      /* u benutzt trank p (es darf halt nur einer pro runde) */
+    const struct item_type *ugetpotionuse(const struct unit *u);        /* benutzt u einein trank? */
+    void usetpotionuse(struct unit *u, const struct item_type *p);      /* u benutzt trank p (es darf halt nur einer pro runde) */
 
     bool ucontact(const struct unit *u, const struct unit *u2);
     void usetcontact(struct unit *u, const struct unit *c);
diff --git a/src/kernel/unit.test.c b/src/kernel/unit.test.c
index 9391e7012..20d23e7a8 100644
--- a/src/kernel/unit.test.c
+++ b/src/kernel/unit.test.c
@@ -101,11 +101,11 @@ static void test_remove_units_with_dead_faction(CuTest *tc) {
 
 static void test_scale_number(CuTest *tc) {
     unit *u;
-    const struct potion_type *ptype;
+    const struct item_type *ptype;
 
     test_setup();
     test_create_world();
-    ptype = new_potiontype(it_get_or_create(rt_get_or_create("hodor")), 1);
+    ptype = it_get_or_create(rt_get_or_create("hodor"));
     u = test_create_unit(test_create_faction(test_create_race("human")), findregion(0, 0));
     change_effect(u, ptype, 1);
     u->hp = 35;
diff --git a/src/laws.c b/src/laws.c
index bccefab20..faf680272 100644
--- a/src/laws.c
+++ b/src/laws.c
@@ -2252,17 +2252,17 @@ static void display_item(unit * u, const item_type * itype)
         itype->weight, itype->rtype, info));
 }
 
-static void display_potion(unit * u, const potion_type * ptype)
+static void display_potion(unit * u, const item_type * itype)
 {
     faction * f = u->faction;
     attrib *a;
 
     a = a_find(f->attribs, &at_showitem);
-    while (a && a->data.v != ptype)
+    while (a && a->data.v != itype)
         a = a->next;
     if (!a) {
         a = a_add(&f->attribs, a_new(&at_showitem));
-        a->data.v = (void *)ptype->itype;
+        a->data.v = (void *)itype;
     }
 }
 
@@ -2429,21 +2429,16 @@ static void reshow_other(unit * u, struct order *ord, const char *s) {
             err = 36; /* we do not have this item? */
             if (i <= 0) {
                 /* we don't have the item, but it may be a potion that we know */
-                const potion_type *ptype = resource2potion(item2resource(itype));
-                if (ptype) {
-                    if (2 * ptype->level > effskill(u, SK_ALCHEMY, 0)) {
-                        itype = NULL;
-                    }
-                } else {
+                int level = potion_level(itype);
+                if (2 * level > effskill(u, SK_ALCHEMY, 0)) {
                     itype = NULL;
                 }
             }
         }
 
         if (itype) {
-            const potion_type *ptype = itype->rtype->ptype;
-            if (ptype) {
-                display_potion(u, ptype);
+            if (itype->flags & ITF_POTION) {
+                display_potion(u, itype);
             }
             else {
                 display_item(u, itype);
@@ -2471,26 +2466,30 @@ static void reshow_other(unit * u, struct order *ord, const char *s) {
       cmistake(u, ord, err, MSG_EVENT);
 }
 
+bool display_potions(unit *u)
+{
+    int skill = effskill(u, SK_ALCHEMY, 0);
+    int c = 0;
+    const potion_type *ptype;
+    for (ptype = potiontypes; ptype != NULL; ptype = ptype->next) {
+        if (ptype->level * 2 <= skill) {
+            display_potion(u, ptype);
+            ++c;
+        }
+    }
+    return (c > 0);
+}
+
 static void reshow(unit * u, struct order *ord, const char *s, param_t p)
 {
-    int skill, c;
-    const potion_type *ptype;
-
     switch (p) {
     case P_ZAUBER:
         a_removeall(&u->faction->attribs, &at_seenspell);
         break;
     case P_POTIONS:
-        skill = effskill(u, SK_ALCHEMY, 0);
-        c = 0;
-        for (ptype = potiontypes; ptype != NULL; ptype = ptype->next) {
-            if (ptype->level * 2 <= skill) {
-                display_potion(u, ptype);
-                ++c;
-            }
-        }
-        if (c == 0)
+        if (!display_potions(u)) {
             cmistake(u, ord, 285, MSG_EVENT);
+        }
         break;
     case NOPARAM:
         reshow_other(u, ord, s);
diff --git a/src/report.c b/src/report.c
index e154ab045..25a92ede2 100644
--- a/src/report.c
+++ b/src/report.c
@@ -578,7 +578,7 @@ nr_curses_i(struct stream *out, int indent, const faction *viewer, objtype_t typ
             effect_data *data = (effect_data *)a->data.v;
             if (data->value > 0) {
                 msg = msg_message("nr_potion_effect", "potion left",
-                    data->type->itype->rtype, data->value);
+                    data->type->rtype, data->value);
             }
         }
         if (msg) {
@@ -2198,11 +2198,10 @@ report_plaintext(const char *filename, report_context * ctx,
     CHECK_ERRNO();
     for (a = a_find(f->attribs, &at_showitem); a && a->type == &at_showitem;
         a = a->next) {
-        const potion_type *ptype =
-            resource2potion(((const item_type *)a->data.v)->rtype);
+        const item_type *itype = (const item_type *)a->data.v;
         const char *description = NULL;
-        if (ptype != NULL) {
-            const char *pname = resourcename(ptype->itype->rtype, 0);
+        if (itype) {
+            const char *pname = resourcename(itype->rtype, 0);
 
             if (ch == 0) {
                 newline(out);
@@ -2213,7 +2212,7 @@ report_plaintext(const char *filename, report_context * ctx,
             newline(out);
             centre(out, LOC(f->locale, pname), true);
             snprintf(buf, sizeof(buf), "%s %d", LOC(f->locale, "nr_level"),
-                ptype->level);
+                potion_level(itype));
             centre(out, buf, true);
             newline(out);
 
@@ -2223,8 +2222,8 @@ report_plaintext(const char *filename, report_context * ctx,
             if (wrptr(&bufp, &size, bytes) != 0)
                 WARN_STATIC_BUFFER();
 
-            if (ptype->itype->construction) {
-                requirement *rm = ptype->itype->construction->materials;
+            if (itype->construction) {
+                requirement *rm = itype->construction->materials;
                 while (rm->number) {
                     bytes =
                         (int)str_strlcpy(bufp, LOC(f->locale, resourcename(rm->rtype, 0)), size);
diff --git a/src/study.c b/src/study.c
index c5d657c48..f446e34ab 100644
--- a/src/study.c
+++ b/src/study.c
@@ -779,21 +779,10 @@ int study_cmd(unit * u, order * ord)
     /* Spruchlistenaktualiesierung ist in Regeneration */
 
     if (sk == SK_ALCHEMY) {
-        const potion_type *ptype;
         faction *f = u->faction;
         int skill = effskill(u, SK_ALCHEMY, 0);
         if (skill > maxalchemy) {
-            for (ptype = potiontypes; ptype; ptype = ptype->next) {
-                if (skill == ptype->level * 2) {
-                    a = a_find(f->attribs, &at_showitem);
-                    while (a && a->type == &at_showitem && a->data.v != ptype)
-                        a = a->next;
-                    if (a == NULL || a->type != &at_showitem) {
-                        a = a_add(&f->attribs, a_new(&at_showitem));
-                        a->data.v = (void *)ptype->itype;
-                    }
-                }
-            }
+            show_potions(f, skill);
         }
     }
     else if (sk == SK_MAGIC) {
diff --git a/src/upkeep.c b/src/upkeep.c
index 3bd77710e..6748d620c 100644
--- a/src/upkeep.c
+++ b/src/upkeep.c
@@ -245,26 +245,22 @@ void get_food(region * r)
             int hungry = u->number;
 
             /* use peasantblood before eating the peasants themselves */
-            const struct potion_type *pt_blood = 0;
-            const resource_type *rt_blood = rt_find("peasantblood");
-            if (rt_blood) {
-                pt_blood = rt_blood->ptype;
-            }
-            if (pt_blood) {
+            const struct item_type *it_blood = it_find("peasantblood");
+            if (it_blood) {
                 /* always start with the unit itself, then the first known unit that may have some blood */
                 unit *donor = u;
                 while (donor != NULL && hungry > 0) {
-                    int blut = get_effect(donor, pt_blood);
+                    int blut = get_effect(donor, it_blood);
                     if (hungry < blut) blut = hungry;
                     if (blut > 0) {
-                        change_effect(donor, pt_blood, -blut);
+                        change_effect(donor, it_blood, -blut);
                         hungry -= blut;
                     }
                     if (donor == u)
                         donor = r->units;
                     while (donor != NULL) {
                         if (u_race(donor) == rc_demon && donor != u) {
-                            if (get_effect(donor, pt_blood)) {
+                            if (get_effect(donor, it_blood)) {
                                 /* if he's in our faction, drain him: */
                                 if (donor->faction == u->faction)
                                     break;
diff --git a/src/volcano.c b/src/volcano.c
index d90ef47ee..df70a864f 100644
--- a/src/volcano.c
+++ b/src/volcano.c
@@ -133,8 +133,8 @@ damage_unit(unit * u, const char *dam, bool physical, bool magic)
                     change_effect(u, oldpotiontype[P_HEAL], -1);
                     heiltrank = 1;
                 }
-                else if (i_get(u->items, oldpotiontype[P_HEAL]->itype) > 0) {
-                    i_change(&u->items, oldpotiontype[P_HEAL]->itype, -1);
+                else if (i_get(u->items, oldpotiontype[P_HEAL]) > 0) {
+                    i_change(&u->items, oldpotiontype[P_HEAL], -1);
                     change_effect(u, oldpotiontype[P_HEAL], 3);
                     heiltrank = 1;
                 }