Page:Contraception; 1st ed. (IA in.ernet.dli.2015.94163).pdf/181

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

CHAPTER SIX

reversed and shown from underneath, and the line of junction between the soft cap C and the surrounding ring S is apparent. In A it will be noted that the junction is smooth and that the cap and ring merge into one another. But in B there is a comparatively rough welding of the thick raw edge of the cap C, which is—or may be—a very dangerous source of failure, as it is impossible to keep it really clean. No cap which is offered with such a rough interior should be accepted by a would-be purchaser.

It should be remembered that rubber tends to perish, even when not in use, and that to put away a cap dry for months or more, and then bring it into use may mean serious failure, owing to the development of small cracks. Rubber which is not in use is best kept under water, as it is in scientific laboratories. It is then discoloured, but its pliability is retained. A small china or celluloid pot or jar with a lid should be available, filled with water, under which the cap is submerged after it has been washed out and dipped into a simple noncorrosive disinfectant solution.

A cap very similar to the one I advocate for ordinary English women is specially prepared for Jewish women and used by

155