matter.

SPONGES.

Sponges can also be had at the drug store. They have a tap attached to them to be conveniently removed. They should be soaked in an antiseptic solution for a few minutes before coitus and then introduced into the vagina far up as they can be placed. Some physicians have recommended the use of the cotton plug, instead of the sponge, to be soaked in a solution of three per cent carbolic and glycerine, before the act. The male sperm is destroyed by the weakest solution of carbolic acid. Some of the peasants in Europe use the cotton plug soaked in vinegar for the same purpose and find it satisfactory. In this country a boric acid solution has been used for the same purpose and with satisfactory results. Of course this requires a saturated solution, as, for instance, one teaspoonful of the powder to a cup of water stirred until dissolved.

Sponges and plugs can be recommended as perfectly safe, if followed by an antiseptic douche before the removal of the plug or sponge, thus preventing the sperm from entering the womb. The problem is: to kill the male sperm upon entering the vagina, or to wash it out or to kill it directly afterwards. A weak solution of alum may also be used for cotton plugs and sponges, also carbolated vaseline on plugs.

VAGINAL SUPPOSITORIES.

Suppositories are becoming more generally used in U. S. A. than any other method of prevention.

These may be found at any reliable pharmacy. The majority of them are made from cocoa butter or gelatine, which makes it necessary that they be deposited in the vagina several minutes before the act, in order for them to melt. Special ingredients negate the effect of the male seed.

Vaginal Suppository

• Acid citric, 6 grains
• Acid boracic, 1 dram
• Cocoa butter, 90 grains

Make into 12 suppositories.

Another suppository, which is the same as the well-known Aseptikon, is the following:

• Salicylic acid, 2 grains
• Boric acid, 10 grains
• Quin, purol (alkal), 1 grain
• Chinosol, 2 grains
• Cocoa butter, 90 grains
• M. f. supos, glob No. 1

(Introduce into vagina three minutes before act.)

Still another found reliable is:

• Boric acid, 10 grains
• Salicylic acid, 2 grains
• Quinine bisulphate, 3 grains
• Cocoa butter, 60 grains

Practically all vaginal suppositories act as preventives but the most commonly used is the Aseptikon, manufactured by the Chinosol Company. They are to be secured at any reliable druggist's upon demand. They should be kept in a cool place. They are not poisonous and cause no injury to the membranes. They are distributed into a box costing 85 cents. The prescription quoted above can be made up more cheaply however.

It is interesting to note that in the rural districts in France the peasant women make up their preventive suppositories themselves, placing them carefully away in glass jars. This is one of the recipes which has been used:

• Gelatine, 1 part
• Water, 2 parts
• Glycerine, 5 parts
• Bisulphate of Quinine—one-half a part

Make this into a paste. Allow to spread out and solidify, then cut into pieces of 2 grammes each, wrap separately and put in a cool place (air-tight).

I have given in the foregoing pages the most commonly known means of prevention. Personally I recommend every woman to use a well fitted pessary and learn to adjust it.