Page:Contraception; 1st ed. (IA in.ernet.dli.2015.94163).pdf/127

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

CHAPTER FIVE

which at least indicates an interesting line of inquiry.

Comment.—The method of total abstention is in my opinion essential to be used in every home as a temporary measure during the ill-health of either wife or husband. I think, on the other hand, it should not be used by normal persons as a measure extended over long periods of time, for its subsidiary ill-effects more than counterbalance any "moral" advantages if it is used for long periods. It is, moreover, the most "unnatural" of all methods of contraception which can be used by a loving pair.

(B) Actions or Modes of Procedure Involving the Introduction of Chemical Substances with the Supposed Intention to incapacitate the Spermatozoa so that they cannot fuse with the Ovum.

Long before the true nature of the spermatozoa could have been known (that is, centuries before microscopes were invented) it was already recognized that the introduction of certain chemical substances into the vagina tends to inhibit conception. Thus in an ancient Sanscrit book of love the use of alum was advised, as well as various decoctions of herbs.

101

This article is issued from Wikisource. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.