New information on cauldrons and potions' history from J.K. Rowling was released on Pottermore's
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince chapter dedicated to Professor Slughorn's first class with the sixth years. More information can be found
here.
Quote:
Potions: Some potions duplicate the effects of spells and charms, but a few (for instance, the Polyjuice Potion, and Felix Felicis) have effects impossible to achieve any other way. Generally speaking, witches and wizards favour whichever method they find easiest, or most satisfying, to produce their chosen end.
The popular idea of a Potions expert within the wizarding community is of a brooding, slow-burning personality: Snape, in fact, conforms perfectly to the stereotype.
Quote:
Cauldrons: All cauldrons are enchanted to make them lighter to carry, as they are most commonly made of pewter or iron. Modern inventions include the self-stirring and collapsible varieties of cauldron, and pots of precious metal are also available for the specialist, or the show-off.
J.K. Rowling updates on potions, cauldrons history on Pottermore's Half-Blood Prince 
