JACOB'S LADDER. 147 



powdered leaves infused in a cupful of boiling water 

 and taken as a dose will cause free perspiration and 

 salivation. Generally the infusion of i ounce of leaves 

 in a pint of boiling water is taken in wineglassful doses 

 or less as required. 



Preparations Powdered leaves : Dose, 5-60 grains. 

 Fluid extract B.P. : Dose, 10-30 drops. Tincture B.P. : 

 Dose, -1 drachm. (Alkaloid) Pilocarpine : Dose, 

 dri grain. 



Distinctive character The leaflets (five to one 

 leaf) are usually detached, brownish green, oblong, 

 slightly unequal at the base and emarginate at the apex, 

 2^-5 inches long, and about f-i inch broad, margin 

 entire and slightly recurved, veins prominent on the 

 upper surface ; furnished with numerous translucent 

 oil cells. Taste, pea-like. Odour, slight. 



The official Jaborandi is now replaced in commerce 

 by the leaves of Pilocarpus microphyllus, Stapf., which are 

 dull green and much smaller, being only ^-i inch long 

 and - inch broad, but otherwise similar in taste and 

 character. 



The leaves of Pilocarpus pinnatifolius, Lemaire, which 

 have also appeared in commerce, are about the size 

 of those of P. Jaborandi, Holmes, but they are greyish 

 green, the veins are not prominent on the upper surface, 

 and the leaves are only half as active. 



JACOB'S- LADDER. Polemonlum coeraleum, Linn. 



N.O. Polenwniacecs. 



Syn. Greek Valerian, English Greek Valerian. 

 Part used Plant. 



Action Diaphoretic, astringent. For medicinal uses 

 see Abscess Root. 



Distinctive character The leaves are 5-6 inches 

 long, imparipinnate, with about 17 lanceolate leaflets 



