diff --git a/apps/openmw/CMakeLists.txt b/apps/openmw/CMakeLists.txt
index a3c147b94..ac3882714 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/apps/openmw/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -27,8 +27,8 @@ add_openmw_dir (mwgui
     text_input widgets race class birth review window_manager console dialogue
     dialogue_history window_base stats_window messagebox journalwindow charactercreation
     map_window window_pinnable_base cursorreplace tooltips scrollwindow bookwindow list
-    formatting itemwidget inventorywindow container hud countdialog tradewindow settingswindow
-    confirmationdialog
+    formatting inventorywindow container hud countdialog tradewindow settingswindow
+    confirmationdialog alchemywindow
     )
 
 add_openmw_dir (mwdialogue
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ add_openmw_dir (mwworld
     refdata world physicssystem scene globals class action nullaction actionteleport
     containerstore actiontalk actiontake manualref player cellfunctors
     cells localscripts customdata weather inventorystore ptr actionopen actionread
-    actionequip timestamp
+    actionequip timestamp actionalchemy
     )
 
 add_openmw_dir (mwclass
diff --git a/apps/openmw/engine.cpp b/apps/openmw/engine.cpp
index a180849ff..e192b1f88 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/engine.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/engine.cpp
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ bool OMW::Engine::frameRenderingQueued (const Ogre::FrameEvent& evt)
                                // frame.
 
         // passing of time
-        if (MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->getMode()==MWGui::GM_Game)
+        if (!MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->isGuiMode())
             MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->advanceTime (
                 mEnvironment.getFrameDuration()*MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getTimeScaleFactor()/3600);
 
@@ -116,9 +116,9 @@ bool OMW::Engine::frameRenderingQueued (const Ogre::FrameEvent& evt)
         // update actors
         std::vector<std::pair<std::string, Ogre::Vector3> > movement;
         MWBase::Environment::get().getMechanicsManager()->update (movement, mEnvironment.getFrameDuration(),
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->getMode()!=MWGui::GM_Game);
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->isGuiMode());
 
-        if (MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->getMode()==MWGui::GM_Game)
+        if (!MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->isGuiMode())
             MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->doPhysics (movement, mEnvironment.getFrameDuration());
 
         // update world
@@ -421,7 +421,7 @@ void OMW::Engine::go()
 
 void OMW::Engine::activate()
 {
-    if (MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->getMode()!=MWGui::GM_Game)
+    if (MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->isGuiMode())
         return;
 
     std::string handle = MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getFacedHandle();
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/apparatus.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/apparatus.cpp
index 0ce01024d..6945f3c27 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/apparatus.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/apparatus.cpp
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@
 
 #include "../mwworld/ptr.hpp"
 #include "../mwworld/actiontake.hpp"
+#include "../mwworld/actionalchemy.hpp"
 #include "../mwworld/world.hpp"
 
 #include "../mwrender/objects.hpp"
@@ -140,4 +141,10 @@ namespace MWClass
 
         return info;
     }
+
+
+    boost::shared_ptr<MWWorld::Action> Apparatus::use (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const
+    {
+        return boost::shared_ptr<MWWorld::Action>(new MWWorld::ActionAlchemy());
+    }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwclass/apparatus.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwclass/apparatus.hpp
index d281600be..f33f92e2c 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwclass/apparatus.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwclass/apparatus.hpp
@@ -44,6 +44,10 @@ namespace MWClass
 
             virtual std::string getInventoryIcon (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr) const;
             ///< Return name of inventory icon.
+
+            virtual boost::shared_ptr<MWWorld::Action> use (const MWWorld::Ptr& ptr)
+                const;
+            ///< Generate action for using via inventory menu
     };
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/dialoguemanager.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/dialoguemanager.cpp
index af589469e..716f472a0 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/dialoguemanager.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwdialogue/dialoguemanager.cpp
@@ -635,7 +635,7 @@ namespace MWDialogue
         actorKnownTopics.clear();
 
         //initialise the GUI
-        MWBase::Environment::get().getInputManager()->setGuiMode(MWGui::GM_Dialogue);
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->pushGuiMode(MWGui::GM_Dialogue);
         MWGui::DialogueWindow* win = MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->getDialogueWindow();
         win->startDialogue(actor, MWWorld::Class::get (actor).getName (actor));
 
@@ -843,7 +843,7 @@ namespace MWDialogue
 
     void DialogueManager::goodbyeSelected()
     {
-        MWBase::Environment::get().getInputManager()->setGuiMode(MWGui::GM_Game);
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->popGuiMode();
     }
 
     void DialogueManager::questionAnswered(std::string answere)
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/alchemywindow.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/alchemywindow.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..570a1f6d4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/alchemywindow.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+#include "alchemywindow.hpp"
+
+namespace MWGui
+{
+    AlchemyWindow::AlchemyWindow(WindowManager& parWindowManager)
+        : WindowBase("openmw_alchemy_window_layout.xml", parWindowManager)
+    {
+        center();
+    }
+}
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/alchemywindow.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/alchemywindow.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..37e50413b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/alchemywindow.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+#ifndef MWGUI_ALCHEMY_H
+#define MWGUI_ALCHEMY_H
+
+#include "window_base.hpp"
+
+namespace MWGui
+{
+    class AlchemyWindow : public WindowBase
+    {
+    public:
+        AlchemyWindow(WindowManager& parWindowManager);
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/bookwindow.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/bookwindow.cpp
index c6411175d..f1873b550 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/bookwindow.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/bookwindow.cpp
@@ -1,13 +1,14 @@
 #include "bookwindow.hpp"
 
-#include "formatting.hpp"
+#include <boost/lexical_cast.hpp>
 
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwinput/inputmanager.hpp"
 #include "../mwsound/soundmanager.hpp"
 #include "../mwworld/actiontake.hpp"
 
-#include <boost/lexical_cast.hpp>
+#include "formatting.hpp"
+#include "window_manager.hpp"
 
 using namespace MWGui;
 
@@ -91,7 +92,7 @@ void BookWindow::onCloseButtonClicked (MyGUI::Widget* _sender)
     // no 3d sounds because the object could be in a container.
     MWBase::Environment::get().getSoundManager()->playSound ("book close", 1.0, 1.0);
 
-    MWBase::Environment::get().getInputManager()->setGuiMode(MWGui::GM_Game);
+    mWindowManager.popGuiMode();
 }
 
 void BookWindow::onTakeButtonClicked (MyGUI::Widget* _sender)
@@ -101,7 +102,7 @@ void BookWindow::onTakeButtonClicked (MyGUI::Widget* _sender)
     MWWorld::ActionTake take(mBook);
     take.execute();
 
-    MWBase::Environment::get().getInputManager()->setGuiMode (GM_Game);
+    mWindowManager.popGuiMode();
 }
 
 void BookWindow::onNextPageButtonClicked (MyGUI::Widget* _sender)
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/charactercreation.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/charactercreation.cpp
index afb168d32..691fd4a91 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/charactercreation.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/charactercreation.cpp
@@ -110,7 +110,6 @@ using namespace MWGui;
 CharacterCreation::CharacterCreation(WindowManager* _wm)
     : mNameDialog(0)
     , mRaceDialog(0)
-    , mDialogueWindow(0)
     , mClassChoiceDialog(0)
     , mGenerateClassQuestionDialog(0)
     , mGenerateClassResultDialog(0)
@@ -253,7 +252,7 @@ void CharacterCreation::onReviewDialogDone(WindowBase* parWindow)
     if (mReviewDialog)
         mWM->removeDialog(mReviewDialog);
 
-    mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Game);
+    mWM->popGuiMode();
 }
 
 void CharacterCreation::onReviewDialogBack()
@@ -261,7 +260,7 @@ void CharacterCreation::onReviewDialogBack()
     if (mReviewDialog)
         mWM->removeDialog(mReviewDialog);
 
-    mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Birth);
+    mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Birth);
 }
 
 void CharacterCreation::onReviewActivateDialog(int parDialog)
@@ -270,19 +269,21 @@ void CharacterCreation::onReviewActivateDialog(int parDialog)
         mWM->removeDialog(mReviewDialog);
     mCreationStage = CSE_ReviewNext;
 
+    mWM->popGuiMode();
+
     switch(parDialog)
     {
         case ReviewDialog::NAME_DIALOG:
-            mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Name);
+            mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Name);
             break;
         case ReviewDialog::RACE_DIALOG:
-            mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Race);
+            mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Race);
             break;
         case ReviewDialog::CLASS_DIALOG:
-            mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Class);
+            mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Class);
             break;
         case ReviewDialog::BIRTHSIGN_DIALOG:
-            mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Birth);
+            mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Birth);
     };
 }
 
@@ -304,13 +305,19 @@ void CharacterCreation::onPickClassDialogDone(WindowBase* parWindow)
 
     //TODO This bit gets repeated a few times; wrap it in a function
     if (mCreationStage == CSE_ReviewNext)
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Review);
+    {
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
+        mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Review);
+    }
     else if (mCreationStage >= CSE_ClassChosen)
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Birth);
+    {
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
+        mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Birth);
+    }
     else
     {
         mCreationStage = CSE_ClassChosen;
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Game);
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
     }
 }
 
@@ -324,7 +331,8 @@ void CharacterCreation::onPickClassDialogBack()
         mWM->removeDialog(mPickClassDialog);
     }
 
-    mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Class);
+    mWM->popGuiMode();
+    mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Class);
 }
 
 void CharacterCreation::onClassChoice(int _index)
@@ -334,19 +342,21 @@ void CharacterCreation::onClassChoice(int _index)
         mWM->removeDialog(mClassChoiceDialog);
     }
 
+    mWM->popGuiMode();
+
     switch(_index)
     {
         case ClassChoiceDialog::Class_Generate:
-            mWM->setGuiMode(GM_ClassGenerate);
+            mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_ClassGenerate);
             break;
         case ClassChoiceDialog::Class_Pick:
-            mWM->setGuiMode(GM_ClassPick);
+            mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_ClassPick);
             break;
         case ClassChoiceDialog::Class_Create:
-            mWM->setGuiMode(GM_ClassCreate);
+            mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_ClassCreate);
             break;
         case ClassChoiceDialog::Class_Back:
-            mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Race);
+            mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Race);
             break;
 
     };
@@ -363,13 +373,19 @@ void CharacterCreation::onNameDialogDone(WindowBase* parWindow)
     }
 
     if (mCreationStage == CSE_ReviewNext)
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Review);
+    {
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
+        mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Review);
+    }
     else if (mCreationStage >= CSE_NameChosen)
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Race);
+    {
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
+        mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Race);
+    }
     else
     {
         mCreationStage = CSE_NameChosen;
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Game);
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
     }
 }
 
@@ -383,7 +399,8 @@ void CharacterCreation::onRaceDialogBack()
         mWM->removeDialog(mRaceDialog);
     }
 
-    mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Name);
+    mWM->popGuiMode();
+    mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Name);
 }
 
 void CharacterCreation::onRaceDialogDone(WindowBase* parWindow)
@@ -398,13 +415,19 @@ void CharacterCreation::onRaceDialogDone(WindowBase* parWindow)
     }
 
     if (mCreationStage == CSE_ReviewNext)
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Review);
-    else if(mCreationStage >= CSE_RaceChosen)
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Class);
+    {
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
+        mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Review);
+    }
+    else if (mCreationStage >= CSE_NameChosen)
+    {
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
+        mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Class);
+    }
     else
     {
-        mCreationStage = CSE_RaceChosen;
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Game);
+        mCreationStage = CSE_NameChosen;
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
     }
 }
 
@@ -419,11 +442,14 @@ void CharacterCreation::onBirthSignDialogDone(WindowBase* parWindow)
     }
 
     if (mCreationStage >= CSE_BirthSignChosen)
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Review);
+    {
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
+        mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Review);
+    }
     else
     {
         mCreationStage = CSE_BirthSignChosen;
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Game);
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
     }
 }
 
@@ -435,7 +461,8 @@ void CharacterCreation::onBirthSignDialogBack()
         mWM->removeDialog(mBirthSignDialog);
     }
 
-    mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Class);
+    mWM->popGuiMode();
+    mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Class);
 }
 
 void CharacterCreation::onCreateClassDialogDone(WindowBase* parWindow)
@@ -470,13 +497,19 @@ void CharacterCreation::onCreateClassDialogDone(WindowBase* parWindow)
     }
 
     if (mCreationStage == CSE_ReviewNext)
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Review);
+    {
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
+        mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Review);
+    }
     else if (mCreationStage >= CSE_ClassChosen)
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Birth);
+    {
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
+        mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Birth);
+    }
     else
     {
         mCreationStage = CSE_ClassChosen;
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Game);
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
     }
 }
 
@@ -485,7 +518,8 @@ void CharacterCreation::onCreateClassDialogBack()
     if (mCreateClassDialog)
         mWM->removeDialog(mCreateClassDialog);
 
-    mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Class);
+    mWM->popGuiMode();
+    mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Class);
 }
 
 void CharacterCreation::onClassQuestionChosen(int _index)
@@ -496,7 +530,8 @@ void CharacterCreation::onClassQuestionChosen(int _index)
         mWM->removeDialog(mGenerateClassQuestionDialog);
     if (_index < 0 || _index >= 3)
     {
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Class);
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
+        mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Class);
         return;
     }
 
@@ -581,7 +616,8 @@ void CharacterCreation::showClassQuestionDialog()
 
     if (mGenerateClassStep > sGenerateClassSteps.size())
     {
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Class);
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
+        mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Class);
         return;
     }
 
@@ -610,7 +646,8 @@ void CharacterCreation::onGenerateClassBack()
         mWM->removeDialog(mGenerateClassResultDialog);
     MWBase::Environment::get().getMechanicsManager()->setPlayerClass(mGenerateClass);
 
-    mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Class);
+    mWM->popGuiMode();
+    mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Class);
 }
 
 void CharacterCreation::onGenerateClassDone(WindowBase* parWindow)
@@ -620,13 +657,19 @@ void CharacterCreation::onGenerateClassDone(WindowBase* parWindow)
     MWBase::Environment::get().getMechanicsManager()->setPlayerClass(mGenerateClass);
 
     if (mCreationStage == CSE_ReviewNext)
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Review);
+    {
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
+        mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Review);
+    }
     else if (mCreationStage >= CSE_ClassChosen)
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Birth);
+    {
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
+        mWM->pushGuiMode(GM_Birth);
+    }
     else
     {
         mCreationStage = CSE_ClassChosen;
-        mWM->setGuiMode(GM_Game);
+        mWM->popGuiMode();
     }
 }
 
@@ -634,7 +677,6 @@ CharacterCreation::~CharacterCreation()
 {
     delete mNameDialog;
     delete mRaceDialog;
-    delete mDialogueWindow;
     delete mClassChoiceDialog;
     delete mGenerateClassQuestionDialog;
     delete mGenerateClassResultDialog;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/charactercreation.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/charactercreation.hpp
index 222754cdc..dfb07853e 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/charactercreation.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/charactercreation.hpp
@@ -46,7 +46,6 @@ namespace MWGui
     //Dialogs
     TextInputDialog* mNameDialog;
     RaceDialog* mRaceDialog;
-    DialogueWindow* mDialogueWindow;
     ClassChoiceDialog* mClassChoiceDialog;
     InfoBoxDialog* mGenerateClassQuestionDialog;
     GenerateClassResultDialog* mGenerateClassResultDialog;
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/container.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/container.cpp
index be21987ef..8ac876c07 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/container.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/container.cpp
@@ -636,7 +636,7 @@ void ContainerWindow::onCloseButtonClicked(MyGUI::Widget* _sender)
 {
     if(mDragAndDrop == NULL || !mDragAndDrop->mIsOnDragAndDrop)
     {
-        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->setGuiMode(GM_Game);
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->popGuiMode();
     }
 }
 
@@ -667,6 +667,6 @@ void ContainerWindow::onTakeAllButtonClicked(MyGUI::Widget* _sender)
 
         containerStore.clear();
 
-        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->setGuiMode(GM_Game);
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->popGuiMode();
     }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/dialogue.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/dialogue.cpp
index 53ab98aeb..8a68ff666 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/dialogue.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/dialogue.cpp
@@ -112,15 +112,6 @@ void DialogueWindow::onMouseWheel(MyGUI::Widget* _sender, int _rel)
         history->setVScrollPosition(history->getVScrollPosition() - _rel*0.3);
 }
 
-void DialogueWindow::open()
-{
-    topicsList->clear();
-    pTopicsText.clear();
-    history->eraseText(0,history->getTextLength());
-    updateOptions();
-    setVisible(true);
-}
-
 void DialogueWindow::onByeClicked(MyGUI::Widget* _sender)
 {
     MWBase::Environment::get().getDialogueManager()->goodbyeSelected();
@@ -133,7 +124,7 @@ void DialogueWindow::onSelectTopic(std::string topic)
     if (topic == MWBase::Environment::get().getWorld()->getStore().gameSettings.search("sBarter")->str)
     {
         /// \todo check if the player is allowed to trade with this actor (e.g. faction rank high enough)?
-        mWindowManager.setGuiMode(GM_Barter);
+        mWindowManager.pushGuiMode(GM_Barter);
         mWindowManager.getTradeWindow()->startTrade(mActor);
     }
 
@@ -147,6 +138,11 @@ void DialogueWindow::startDialogue(MWWorld::Ptr actor, std::string npcName)
     mActor = actor;
     topicsList->setEnabled(true);
     setTitle(npcName);
+
+    topicsList->clear();
+    pTopicsText.clear();
+    history->eraseText(0,history->getTextLength());
+    updateOptions();
 }
 
 void DialogueWindow::setKeywords(std::list<std::string> keyWords)
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/dialogue.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/dialogue.hpp
index 7f69f972c..d3106ad38 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/dialogue.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/dialogue.hpp
@@ -30,8 +30,6 @@ namespace MWGui
     public:
         DialogueWindow(WindowManager& parWindowManager);
 
-        void open();
-
         // Events
         typedef MyGUI::delegates::CMultiDelegate0 EventHandle_Void;
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/messagebox.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/messagebox.cpp
index a6b9025ce..9df80476e 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/messagebox.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/messagebox.cpp
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ void MessageBoxManager::onFrame (float frameDuration)
     if(mInterMessageBoxe != NULL && mInterMessageBoxe->mMarkedToDelete) {
         delete mInterMessageBoxe;
         mInterMessageBoxe = NULL;
-        mWindowManager->setNextMode(GM_Game);
+        mWindowManager->popGuiMode();
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/mode.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/mode.hpp
index ad54ed1df..8b502ce7c 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/mode.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/mode.hpp
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@ namespace MWGui
 {
   enum GuiMode
     {
-      GM_Game,          // Game mode, only HUD
       GM_Settings,      // Settings window
       GM_Inventory,     // Inventory mode
       GM_Container,
@@ -16,6 +15,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
       GM_Scroll,        // Read scroll
       GM_Book,          // Read book
+      GM_Alchemy,       // Make potions
 
       GM_Dialogue,      // NPC interaction
       GM_Barter,
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/scrollwindow.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/scrollwindow.cpp
index 877864cfe..f4d45fc26 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/scrollwindow.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/scrollwindow.cpp
@@ -1,12 +1,13 @@
 #include "scrollwindow.hpp"
 
-#include "formatting.hpp"
-
 #include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
 #include "../mwinput/inputmanager.hpp"
 #include "../mwworld/actiontake.hpp"
 #include "../mwsound/soundmanager.hpp"
 
+#include "formatting.hpp"
+#include "window_manager.hpp"
+
 using namespace MWGui;
 
 ScrollWindow::ScrollWindow (WindowManager& parWindowManager) :
@@ -55,7 +56,7 @@ void ScrollWindow::onCloseButtonClicked (MyGUI::Widget* _sender)
 {
     MWBase::Environment::get().getSoundManager()->playSound ("scroll", 1.0, 1.0);
 
-    MWBase::Environment::get().getInputManager()->setGuiMode (GM_Game);
+    mWindowManager.popGuiMode();
 }
 
 void ScrollWindow::onTakeButtonClicked (MyGUI::Widget* _sender)
@@ -65,5 +66,5 @@ void ScrollWindow::onTakeButtonClicked (MyGUI::Widget* _sender)
     MWWorld::ActionTake take(mScroll);
     take.execute();
 
-    MWBase::Environment::get().getInputManager()->setGuiMode (GM_Game);
+    mWindowManager.popGuiMode();
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/settingswindow.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/settingswindow.cpp
index ce7f0d0e2..0e0815228 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/settingswindow.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/settingswindow.cpp
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
     void SettingsWindow::onOkButtonClicked(MyGUI::Widget* _sender)
     {
-        mWindowManager.setGuiMode(GM_Game);
+        mWindowManager.popGuiMode();
     }
 
     void SettingsWindow::onResolutionSelected(MyGUI::ListBox* _sender, size_t index)
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/tradewindow.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/tradewindow.cpp
index 60cc06cb8..311ea6c95 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/tradewindow.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/tradewindow.cpp
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@ namespace MWGui
         std::string sound = "Item Gold Up";
         MWBase::Environment::get().getSoundManager()->playSound (sound, 1.0, 1.0);
 
-        mWindowManager.setGuiMode(GM_Game);
+        mWindowManager.popGuiMode();
     }
 
     void TradeWindow::onCancelButtonClicked(MyGUI::Widget* _sender)
@@ -220,7 +220,7 @@ namespace MWGui
         // now gimme back my stuff!
         mWindowManager.getInventoryWindow()->returnBoughtItems(MWWorld::Class::get(mContainer).getContainerStore(mContainer));
 
-        mWindowManager.setGuiMode(GM_Game);
+        mWindowManager.popGuiMode();
     }
 
     void TradeWindow::updateLabels()
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/window_manager.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/window_manager.cpp
index b71edc718..a29dd96a6 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/window_manager.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/window_manager.cpp
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 #include "tradewindow.hpp"
 #include "settingswindow.hpp"
 #include "confirmationdialog.hpp"
+#include "alchemywindow.hpp"
 
 #include "../mwmechanics/mechanicsmanager.hpp"
 #include "../mwinput/inputmanager.hpp"
@@ -54,6 +55,7 @@ WindowManager::WindowManager(
   , mTradeWindow(NULL)
   , mSettingsWindow(NULL)
   , mConfirmationDialog(NULL)
+  , mAlchemyWindow(NULL)
   , mCharGen(NULL)
   , playerClass()
   , playerName()
@@ -66,9 +68,6 @@ WindowManager::WindowManager(
   , playerMagicka()
   , playerFatigue()
   , gui(NULL)
-  , mode(GM_Game)
-  , nextMode(GM_Game)
-  , needModeChange(false)
   , garbageDialogs()
   , shown(GW_ALL)
   , allowed(newGame ? GW_None : GW_ALL)
@@ -124,6 +123,7 @@ WindowManager::WindowManager(
     mCountDialog = new CountDialog(*this);
     mSettingsWindow = new SettingsWindow(*this);
     mConfirmationDialog = new ConfirmationDialog(*this);
+    mAlchemyWindow = new AlchemyWindow(*this);
 
     // The HUD is always on
     hud->setVisible(true);
@@ -166,6 +166,7 @@ WindowManager::~WindowManager()
     delete mTradeWindow;
     delete mSettingsWindow;
     delete mConfirmationDialog;
+    delete mAlchemyWindow;
 
     cleanupGarbage();
 }
@@ -186,12 +187,6 @@ void WindowManager::cleanupGarbage()
 void WindowManager::update()
 {
     cleanupGarbage();
-    if (needModeChange)
-    {
-        needModeChange = false;
-        MWBase::Environment::get().getInputManager()->setGuiMode(nextMode);
-        nextMode = GM_Game;
-    }
     if (showFPSLevel > 0)
     {
         hud->setFPS(mFPS);
@@ -200,17 +195,6 @@ void WindowManager::update()
     }
 }
 
-void WindowManager::setNextMode(GuiMode newMode)
-{
-    nextMode = newMode;
-    needModeChange = true;
-}
-
-void WindowManager::setGuiMode(GuiMode newMode)
-{
-    MWBase::Environment::get().getInputManager()->setGuiMode(newMode);
-}
-
 void WindowManager::updateVisible()
 {
     // Start out by hiding everything except the HUD
@@ -226,19 +210,25 @@ void WindowManager::updateVisible()
     mBookWindow->setVisible(false);
     mTradeWindow->setVisible(false);
     mSettingsWindow->setVisible(false);
+    mAlchemyWindow->setVisible(false);
 
     // Mouse is visible whenever we're not in game mode
     MyGUI::PointerManager::getInstance().setVisible(isGuiMode());
 
-    if (mode == GM_Game)
+    bool gameMode = !isGuiMode();
+
+    if (gameMode)
         mToolTips->enterGameMode();
     else
         mToolTips->enterGuiMode();
 
+    // If in game mode, don't show anything.
+    if (gameMode)
+        return;
+
+    GuiMode mode = mGuiModes.back();
+
     switch(mode) {
-        case GM_Game:
-            // If in game mode, don't show anything.
-            break;
         case GM_MainMenu:
             menu->setVisible(true);
             break;
@@ -254,6 +244,9 @@ void WindowManager::updateVisible()
         case GM_Book:
             mBookWindow->setVisible(true);
             break;
+        case GM_Alchemy:
+            mAlchemyWindow->setVisible(true);
+            break;
         case GM_Name:
         case GM_Race:
         case GM_Class:
@@ -285,7 +278,7 @@ void WindowManager::updateVisible()
             mInventoryWindow->openInventory();
             break;
         case GM_Dialogue:
-            mDialogueWindow->open();
+            mDialogueWindow->setVisible(true);
             break;
         case GM_Barter:
             mInventoryWindow->setVisible(true);
@@ -293,9 +286,6 @@ void WindowManager::updateVisible()
             mTradeWindow->setVisible(true);
             break;
         case GM_InterMessageBox:
-            if(!mMessageBoxManager->isInteractiveMessageBox()) {
-                setGuiMode(GM_Game);
-            }
             break;
         case GM_Journal:
             mJournal->setVisible(true);
@@ -303,9 +293,6 @@ void WindowManager::updateVisible()
             break;
         default:
             // Unsupported mode, switch back to game
-            // Note: The call will eventually end up this method again but
-            // will stop at the check if mode is GM_Game.
-            setGuiMode(GM_Game);
             break;
     }
 }
@@ -439,7 +426,7 @@ void WindowManager::messageBox (const std::string& message, const std::vector<st
     else
     {
         mMessageBoxManager->createInteractiveMessageBox(message, buttons);
-        setGuiMode(GM_InterMessageBox);
+        pushGuiMode(GM_InterMessageBox);
     }
 }
 
@@ -464,7 +451,7 @@ void WindowManager::onDialogueWindowBye()
         //removeDialog(dialogueWindow);
         mDialogueWindow->setVisible(false);
     }
-    setGuiMode(GM_Game);
+    popGuiMode();
 }
 
 void WindowManager::onFrame (float frameDuration)
@@ -608,3 +595,27 @@ void WindowManager::processChangedSettings(const Settings::CategorySettingVector
 {
     hud->setFpsLevel(Settings::Manager::getInt("fps", "HUD"));
 }
+
+void WindowManager::pushGuiMode(GuiMode mode)
+{
+    if (mode==GM_Inventory && allowed==GW_None)
+        return;
+
+    mGuiModes.push_back(mode);
+
+    bool gameMode = !isGuiMode();
+    MWBase::Environment::get().getInputManager()->changeInputMode(!gameMode);
+
+    updateVisible();
+}
+
+void WindowManager::popGuiMode()
+{
+    if (mGuiModes.size())
+        mGuiModes.pop_back();
+
+    bool gameMode = !isGuiMode();
+    MWBase::Environment::get().getInputManager()->changeInputMode(!gameMode);
+
+    updateVisible();
+}
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwgui/window_manager.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwgui/window_manager.hpp
index f585ac3ba..c698047fe 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwgui/window_manager.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwgui/window_manager.hpp
@@ -80,6 +80,7 @@ namespace MWGui
   class TradeWindow;
   class SettingsWindow;
   class ConfirmationDialog;
+  class AlchemyWindow;
 
   struct ClassPoint
   {
@@ -99,8 +100,6 @@ namespace MWGui
     WindowManager(const Compiler::Extensions& extensions, int fpsLevel, bool newGame, OEngine::Render::OgreRenderer *mOgre, const std::string logpath);
     virtual ~WindowManager();
 
-    void setGuiMode(GuiMode newMode);
-
     /**
      * Should be called each frame to update windows/gui elements.
      * This could mean updating sizes of gui elements or opening
@@ -108,19 +107,17 @@ namespace MWGui
      */
     void update();
 
-    void setMode(GuiMode newMode)
-    {
-      if (newMode==GM_Inventory && allowed==GW_None)
-        return;
+    void pushGuiMode(GuiMode mode);
+    void popGuiMode();
 
-      mode = newMode;
-      updateVisible();
+    GuiMode getMode() const
+    {
+        if (mGuiModes.empty())
+            throw std::runtime_error ("getMode() called, but there is no active mode");
+        return mGuiModes.back();
     }
-    void setNextMode(GuiMode newMode);
-
-    GuiMode getMode() const { return mode; }
 
-    bool isGuiMode() const { return getMode() != GM_Game; } // Everything that is not game mode is considered "gui mode"
+    bool isGuiMode() const { return !mGuiModes.empty(); }
 
     // Disallow all inventory mode windows
     void disallowAll()
@@ -235,6 +232,7 @@ namespace MWGui
     TradeWindow* mTradeWindow;
     SettingsWindow* mSettingsWindow;
     ConfirmationDialog* mConfirmationDialog;
+    AlchemyWindow* mAlchemyWindow;
 
     CharacterCreation* mCharGen;
 
@@ -249,9 +247,7 @@ namespace MWGui
 
 
     MyGUI::Gui *gui; // Gui
-    GuiMode mode; // Current gui mode
-    GuiMode nextMode; // Next mode to activate in update()
-    bool needModeChange; //Whether a mode change is needed in update() [will use nextMode]
+    std::vector<GuiMode> mGuiModes;
 
     std::vector<OEngine::GUI::Layout*> garbageDialogs;
     void cleanupGarbage();
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwinput/inputmanager.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwinput/inputmanager.cpp
index 3ae1daadf..9b6a1d39b 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwinput/inputmanager.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwinput/inputmanager.cpp
@@ -140,28 +140,27 @@ namespace MWInput
         if (mDragDrop)
             return;
 
-        MWGui::GuiMode mode = windows.getMode();
-        if (mode != MWGui::GM_Settings)
-            setGuiMode(MWGui::GM_Settings);
+        if (!windows.isGuiMode() || windows.getMode() != MWGui::GM_Settings)
+            windows.pushGuiMode(MWGui::GM_Settings);
     }
 
     /* toggleInventory() is called when the user presses the button to toggle the inventory screen. */
     void toggleInventory()
     {
-      using namespace MWGui;
+        using namespace MWGui;
 
-      if (mDragDrop)
-        return;
+        if (mDragDrop)
+            return;
 
-      GuiMode mode = windows.getMode();
+        bool gameMode = !windows.isGuiMode();
 
-      // Toggle between game mode and inventory mode
-      if(mode == GM_Game)
-        setGuiMode(GM_Inventory);
-      else if(mode == GM_Inventory)
-        setGuiMode(GM_Game);
+        // Toggle between game mode and inventory mode
+        if(gameMode)
+            windows.pushGuiMode(GM_Inventory);
+        else if(windows.getMode() == GM_Inventory)
+            windows.popGuiMode();
 
-      // .. but don't touch any other mode.
+        // .. but don't touch any other mode.
     }
 
     // Toggle console
@@ -172,28 +171,33 @@ namespace MWInput
       if (mDragDrop)
         return;
 
-      GuiMode mode = windows.getMode();
+      bool gameMode = !windows.isGuiMode();
 
       // Switch to console mode no matter what mode we are currently
       // in, except of course if we are already in console mode
-      if(mode == GM_Console)
-        setGuiMode(GM_Game);
-      else setGuiMode(GM_Console);
+      if (!gameMode)
+      {
+          if (windows.getMode() == GM_Console)
+              windows.popGuiMode();
+          else
+              windows.pushGuiMode(GM_Console);
+      }
+      else
+          windows.pushGuiMode(GM_Console);
     }
 
     void toggleJournal()
     {
-      using namespace MWGui;
+        using namespace MWGui;
 
-      GuiMode mode = windows.getMode();
+        // Toggle between game mode and journal mode
+        bool gameMode = !windows.isGuiMode();
 
-      // Toggle between game mode and journal mode
-      if(mode == GM_Game)
-        setGuiMode(GM_Journal);
-      else if(mode == GM_Journal)
-        setGuiMode(GM_Game);
-
-      // .. but don't touch any other mode.
+        if(gameMode)
+            windows.pushGuiMode(GM_Journal);
+        else if(windows.getMode() == GM_Journal)
+            windows.popGuiMode();
+        // .. but don't touch any other mode.
     }
 
     void activate()
@@ -287,8 +291,7 @@ namespace MWInput
         lst->add(guiEvents,Event::EV_ALL);
       }
 
-      // Start out in game mode
-      setGuiMode(MWGui::GM_Game);
+      changeInputMode(false);
 
       /**********************************
         Key binding section
@@ -353,6 +356,7 @@ namespace MWInput
         windows.update();
 
         // Disable movement in Gui mode
+
         if (windows.isGuiMode()) return;
 
         // Configure player movement according to keyboard input. Actual movement will
@@ -393,14 +397,10 @@ namespace MWInput
 
     // Switch between gui modes. Besides controlling the Gui windows
     // this also makes sure input is directed to the right place
-    void setGuiMode(MWGui::GuiMode mode)
+    void changeInputMode(bool guiMode)
     {
-      // Tell the GUI what to show (this also takes care of the mouse
-      // pointer)
-      windows.setMode(mode);
-
       // Are we in GUI mode now?
-      if(windows.isGuiMode())
+      if(guiMode)
         {
           // Disable mouse look
           mouse->setCamera(NULL);
@@ -436,11 +436,6 @@ namespace MWInput
     delete impl;
   }
 
-  void MWInputManager::setGuiMode(MWGui::GuiMode mode)
-  {
-      impl->setGuiMode(mode);
-  }
-
   void MWInputManager::update()
   {
       impl->update();
@@ -450,4 +445,9 @@ namespace MWInput
   {
       impl->setDragDrop(dragDrop);
   }
+
+  void MWInputManager::changeInputMode(bool guiMode)
+  {
+      impl->changeInputMode(guiMode);
+  }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwinput/inputmanager.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwinput/inputmanager.hpp
index 158d05f0e..b8d98ed56 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwinput/inputmanager.hpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwinput/inputmanager.hpp
@@ -50,9 +50,9 @@ namespace MWInput
 
     void update();
 
-    void setDragDrop(bool dragDrop);
+    void changeInputMode(bool guiMode);
 
-    void setGuiMode(MWGui::GuiMode mode);
+    void setDragDrop(bool dragDrop);
   };
 }
 #endif
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwscript/guiextensions.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwscript/guiextensions.cpp
index c4d9e9fab..b267cc6e4 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwscript/guiextensions.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwscript/guiextensions.cpp
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ namespace MWScript
 
                 virtual void execute (Interpreter::Runtime& runtime)
                 {
-                    MWBase::Environment::get().getInputManager()->setGuiMode(mDialogue);
+                    MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->pushGuiMode(mDialogue);
                 }
         };
 
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionalchemy.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionalchemy.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..a2f3bd1e4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionalchemy.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+#include "actionalchemy.hpp"
+
+#include "../mwbase/environment.hpp"
+#include "../mwgui/window_manager.hpp"
+
+namespace MWWorld
+{
+    void ActionAlchemy::execute()
+    {
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->popGuiMode();
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->pushGuiMode(MWGui::GM_Alchemy);
+    }
+}
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionalchemy.hpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionalchemy.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..739de419b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionalchemy.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+#ifndef GAME_MWWORLD_ACTIONALCHEMY_H
+#define GAME_MWWORLD_ACTIONALCHEMY_H
+
+#include "action.hpp"
+
+namespace MWWorld
+{
+    class ActionAlchemy : public Action
+    {
+        public:
+            virtual void execute ();
+    };
+}
+
+#endif
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionopen.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionopen.cpp
index e450585e6..e2c8ec5cf 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionopen.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionopen.cpp
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
     void ActionOpen::execute ()
     {
-        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->setGuiMode(MWGui::GM_Container);
+        MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->pushGuiMode(MWGui::GM_Container);
         MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->getContainerWindow()->open(mContainer);
     }
 }
diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionread.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionread.cpp
index 0d37e06f5..34e95cbd0 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionread.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwworld/actionread.cpp
@@ -18,12 +18,12 @@ namespace MWWorld
 
         if (ref->base->data.isScroll)
         {
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->setGuiMode(MWGui::GM_Scroll);
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->pushGuiMode(MWGui::GM_Scroll);
             MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->getScrollWindow()->open(mObject);
         }
         else
         {
-            MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->setGuiMode(MWGui::GM_Book);
+            MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->pushGuiMode(MWGui::GM_Book);
             MWBase::Environment::get().getWindowManager()->getBookWindow()->open(mObject);
         }
     }
diff --git a/files/mygui/CMakeLists.txt b/files/mygui/CMakeLists.txt
index 89ebd8f94..6b16e5f59 100644
--- a/files/mygui/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/files/mygui/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -59,6 +59,7 @@ configure_file("${SDIR}/openmw_count_window_layout.xml" "${DDIR}/openmw_count_wi
 configure_file("${SDIR}/openmw_trade_window_layout.xml" "${DDIR}/openmw_trade_window_layout.xml" COPYONLY)
 configure_file("${SDIR}/openmw_settings_window_layout.xml" "${DDIR}/openmw_settings_window_layout.xml" COPYONLY)
 configure_file("${SDIR}/openmw_confirmation_dialog_layout.xml" "${DDIR}/openmw_confirmation_dialog_layout.xml" COPYONLY)
+configure_file("${SDIR}/openmw_alchemy_window_layout.xml" "${DDIR}/openmw_alchemy_window_layout.xml" COPYONLY)
 configure_file("${SDIR}/atlas1.cfg" "${DDIR}/atlas1.cfg" COPYONLY)
 configure_file("${SDIR}/smallbars.png" "${DDIR}/smallbars.png" COPYONLY)
 configure_file("${SDIR}/EBGaramond-Regular.ttf" "${DDIR}/EBGaramond-Regular.ttf" COPYONLY)
diff --git a/files/mygui/openmw_alchemy_window_layout.xml b/files/mygui/openmw_alchemy_window_layout.xml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c6c4b1caa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/files/mygui/openmw_alchemy_window_layout.xml
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
+
+<MyGUI type="Layout">
+    <Widget type="Window" skin="MW_Dialog" layer="Windows" position="0 0 600 500" name="_Main">
+
+
+    </Widget>
+</MyGUI>