In Morrowind and Oblivion, alchemy equipment and ingredients were found in mages' guilds. But in Skyrim, alchemy is under thief skills. I am planning to play an alchemist first and foremost; any idea if the mages still provide alchemy supplies, or would that be through the thieves guild now?

Just thinking about where to go in the early game to get started with it.

I believe both guilds offer some.

Alchemy is done at specific crafting stations now. You'll probably only be able to buy them for your house, once you get one.

Alchmy is one of the MOST changed skills. You dont have carry around any gear for it .. only ingredants. You have to go to Alchmy lab and make stuff .. CAN NOT make stuff anywhere. FOOD items are NOW just that FOOD. Meat/Bread heal you may give stat .. but just food. Also .. it is not the money make it was in M/O.

Ah ok... didn't realize the crafting tools were gone. So, where to go to get access to a lab in the early game?

they are around .. however too lvl alchmy .. its kind of like MMOs .. you farm matts/ buy what you can. Then go to a work station and lvl it. Its better because ... if it was like M/O .. you would way lvl your Alchmy skill to high cause you can do it anywhere. Now you have too go out of your way too lvl it .. makeing it harder and it wont max wicked earty vs all your combat skills.

Like, where?

OK OK, I can wait till Thurs night to find out