the wife render this event possible or probable, then soluble
suppositories and contraceptive douching are alike unreliable, by
themselves or in combination. On the other hand, the mechanical method,
that is, the use of a rubber protector, preferably the spiral-spring
occlusive[G] "Dutch" pessary, by the woman may also fail, because the
protector is porous or ill-fitting. But--_if the two methods are
combined_, the chemical method and the mechanical method, _then the
protection against fertilisation may be regarded as almost absolute_. The
completeness of the protection depends, of course, upon the proper
application and combination of the measures advised.

[Footnote G: Judging by certain original letters (dated December, 1888, to
November, 1892), which I have seen myself, by the courtesy of Messrs. E.
Lambert & Son, of 60, Queen's Road, Dalston, London, E.8, the rubber
spring pessary was first suggested here by an English doctor, and
manufactured for him by Mr. E. Lambert Sen. Under date December 23rd,
1888, the doctor wrote:--

"I think highly of the watch-spring rim. There will be very little fear of
conception with one of these new pessaries properly adjusted, as the rim
will press equally all round. The inflated pessary would be the most
perfect, however, if you could only contrive some method to prevent escape
of air and consequent flattening. Such a pessary would be most
comfortable."]

[Illustration: UTERUS, OVARY AND FALLOPIAN TUBE.

DIAGRAM 2.--The Fallopian tubes and ovaries are not shown on Diagram 1.
There are two ovaries and two Fallopian tubes, one on each side of the
uterus. The female cells or ova are formed in the ovaries and discharged
into the Fallopian tubes, along which they travel into the uterus. It is
believed that the union of the male with the female cell usually occurs in
the Fallopian tubes, but that it may occur in the uterus.]

[Illustration: DIAGRAM 3.--This diagram shows the male urethra or passage
down the male organ as somewhat distended. Generally, the walls of this
passage are collapsed together. The seminal fluid is discharged down the
urethra and emitted at orifice marked "meatus." The small glands indicated
are especially liable to be infected with gonorrhoea germs, but infection
may occur almost throughout the entire length of the male passage.
Infection with syphilis may occur on the outside of the male organs and
elsewhere.]

I have discussed the various measures fully w