S.

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