CHAPTER V.

PRUDENTIAL CHECKS.

If the validity of the Malthusian position be admitted, there is no logical escape from the conclusion that the knowledge of innocent means by which families may be limited should be conveyed to the people. Yet, with characteristic inconsistency, the public advocacy of Malthusianism in the abstract is regarded with approval, whilst the practical application of the principle is met with the parrot-cry of "obscenity," and menaced with penal infliction. In the Windeyer judgment it will be noted that the proceedings against Mr. Collins were based not upon those portions of Mrs. Besant's pamphlet in which the subject was philosophically discussed, but upon the passages in which the preventive checks were described. An eminent English statesman, Mr. John Morley, has insisted in a public speech upon the "vital importance" of the population question, and, he added, "I wish that we did not shirk it so much." A popular English clergyman, the Rev. H. R. Haweis, has declared in a popular weekly newspaper that the most important remedy for poverty is "to control the family growth, according to the family means of support." But when the social reformer passes from vague precept to direct instruction, he is confronted by an anomalous law which threatens him as a foe to public morality.

The tragical element in this otherwise ridiculous inconsistency lies in the fact that the knowledge of prudential checks is denied to the very class which most urgently needs such information. It is the poor alone who suffer acutely from the effects of over-population: it is they who feel the actual sting of want when the small wage is distributed over a large family-area. For the well-to-do there is no mystery concerning prudential checks. The family doctor will whisper discreetly into the ear of the wealthy matron whose quiver is sufficiently filled. Expensive medical works containing full instructions are at the command of those who can afford to buy them. Why should the poor be kept in ignorance upon a matter of supreme importance to them?

Upon the subject of prudential checks the medical profession as a body has afforded little or no assistance. Here, as in many other matters, "doctors differ"; and no steps have as yet been taken to ascertain, by scientific investigation, the best method of preventing conception. The checks now to be described are of two kinds--first, those in which success depends upon self-control; and, second, those in which mechanical appliances are used.

I.

The practice of withdrawal immediately before the act of coition is completed obtains very extensively in France. This, the most ancient of known methods, is referred to in the Bible (Genesis xxxviii. 8-9). The efficacy of the check depends, of course, entirely upon the self-control of the husband, and failure is therefore always possible. It may be mentioned that this plan has sometimes been objected to on the ground of supposed injury to health; but no evidence has been adduced in support of the objection. On the other hand, Dr. C. R. Drysdale has ascertained by personal enquiry that 100 members of the medical profession in Paris "had only 174 children in all their married lives, or not two as an average.... The question of the effect produced upon the health of the parents by the use of the physical check of Genesis xxxviii. was discussed at the meeting of the International Medical Congress at Amsterdam in 1879; and two medical men of great distinction--MM. Lutaud and Leblanc--asserted distinctly that these practices of family physical prudence in France were in no way productive of ill-health to either conjoint. And, as they were universally made use of by the medical men of Paris in limiting their own families, it was very unlikely that such damage to health as had been spoken of would not have been noted and clearly described long ago if it existed in nature."

Abstinence from intercourse during a certain period is said to be an effectual method of avoiding conception. This, however, rests upon the assumption that a female is more likely to conceive immediately before or after "menstruation" (the monthly flow). If connection do not take place within five days before, or eight days after, menstruation, the probability of pregnancy is supposed to be diminished.

II.

Of the various appliances which have been devised for the prevention of conception, the simplest and most effectual is the "sheath" (commonly known as the "French Letter"). This an envelope of skin or very thin rubber, and is used by the husband. It completely covers the male organ, and, being closed at the extremity, prevents the semen from being discharged into the vagina. It is obvious that, if the sheath remain intact, it is impossible for conception to take place. The only danger to be guarded against is the breaking or perforation of the sheath, which should in all cases be carefully examined before use. The material may be tested by stretching it gently over the inside of the thumb, when the smallest fracture can be detected. If sheaths of good quality (not necessarily expensive) be used, and reasonable care taken to avoid accidental breakage, this check is CERTAIN.

The Enema Syringe is an instrument frequently employed for preventive purposes. A solution (composed of a teaspoonful of alum dissolved in a pint of cold or tepid water) is injected by the female immediately after connection. The vertical and reverse syringe is more likely to act efficiently than the ordinary enema.

A very simple and inexpensive method is the use of a small piece of fine sponge, soaked in warm water, and placed in such a position as to cover the mouth of the womb. The chances of failure are diminished by saturating the sponge with a solution of quinine.

Pessaries of various kinds are sometimes used to prevent conception. The simple pessary (of which there are several modifications) is a small dome-shaped appliance, made of thin rubber, and constructed to fit closely round the neck of the womb. If carefully adjusted and retained in position, the pessary may be relied upon.

Of late years a new form of pessary has been introduced and is stated to have been used with marked success. It consists of a small cone of cacao-butter, charged with quinine. The pessary is inserted a few minutes before connection takes place; the quinine, being liberated by the dissolution of the fatty substance, destroys the vitality of the seminal fluid.

THE MALTHUSIAN LEAGUE.

(Founded in 1877.)

President:

C. R. DRYSDALE, M.D., M.R.C.P. Lond., F.R.C.S. Eng.

Vice-Presidents:

Señor Aldecoa, Director of Government Charities, Madrid.

Mr. G. Anderson, C.E.

M. Yves Guyot, Deputé, Rue de Seine, Paris.

Mr. Gerritsen, Amsterdam, Holland.

Mr. S. Van Houten, Deputé, The Hague.

Mr. P. Murugesa Mudaliar, Madras.

Mr. T. Parris.

Dr. Stille, Hanover.

Dr. Giovanni Tari, Naples.

Dr. Alice Vickeby.

Hon. Secretary:

Mr. W. H. Reynolds, New Cross, London, S.E.

RULES.

I.--Name.

That this Society be called "The Malthusian League."

II.--Objects.

That the objects of this Society be:

1. To agitate for the abolition of all penalties on the public discussion of the Population Question, and to obtain such a statutory definition as shall render it impossible, in the future, to bring such discussions within the scope of the common law as a misdemeanor.

2. To spread among the people, by all practicable means, a knowledge of the law of population, of its consequences, and of its bearing upon human conduct and morals.

III.--Principles.

1. "That population has a constant tendency to increase beyond the means of subsistence."

2. That the checks which counteract this tendency are resolvable into positive or life-destroying, and prudential or birth-restricting.

3. That the positive or life-destroying checks comprehend the premature death of children and adults by disease, starvation, war and infanticide.

4. That the prudential or birth-restricting check consists in the limitation of offspring by abstention from marriage, or by prudence after marriage.

5. That prolonged abstention from marriage--as advocated by Malthus--is productive of many diseases and of much sexual vice; early marriage, on the contrary, tends to ensure sexual purity, domestic comfort, social happiness, and individual health; but it is a grave social offence for men and women to bring into the world more children than they can adequately house, feed, clothe and educate.

6. That over-population is the most fruitful source of pauperism, ignorance, crime and disease.

7. That the full and open discussion of the Population Question is a matter of vital moment to society, and such discussion should be absolutely unfettered by fear of legal penalties.

IV.--Executive.

1. That the officers of the League consist of a president, vice-presidents, council, treasurer, secretaries, solicitor and auditors.

2. That the government of the League be vested in a council, consisting of a president, vice-presidents, and secretary (by virtue of their respective offices), of twenty members who shall be elected annually at a general meeting, and of a duly-appointed representative from each branch of the League which may hereafter be formed.

3. That the council have power to appoint a treasurer and secretaries from amongst its own members; to elect a president, vice-presidents, and solicitor, subject to the approval of the next general meeting; to fill up vacancies in its own ranks, and to make the necessary bye-laws for carrying out these laws and for the general management of the League.

4. That all candidates for election as officers shall be nominated one month before the annual general meeting, and that such nomination shall be publicly announced, the form and manner to be determined by the council.

V.--Membership.

That the conditions of membership be an annual subscription of one shilling, which shall be taken to imply adhesion to the rules of the League; or an annual subscription of two shillings, which shall entitle the subscriber to receive the Malthusian. To constitute life membership, a single payment of one guinea.

VI.--General Meetings.

1. That a general meeting be held once a year, at such place and time as the council shall determine, at which meeting the presentation of the report and balance sheet and the election of officers shall take precedence of all other business.

2. That, on the receipt of a requisition signed by not less than twenty-five members, a special general meeting be, within one month, called by the council. No other business but that set forth on the notice calling the meeting shall be taken into consideration.

3. That the voting at all meetings be taken by show of hands, except when a poll is demanded, when the voting shall be taken by ballot.

VII.--Expulsion.

That the council have power to expel any member, but the member so expelled shall have a right of appeal to the annual general meeting, or to a special general meeting called for that purpose.

VIII.--Alteration of Rules.

That no alteration be made in these rules, except at an annual general meeting, by the vote of two-thirds of those present, two months' notice of the proposed alteration having been given to the council.

OVER-POPULATION; a Lecture delivered for the Sunday Lecture Society, under the title "The Law of Population: its Meaning and Menace." By John M. Robertson. Post free, 2 1/2d.

PLAIN HOME-TALK, by Edward B. Foote, M.D. (U.S.A.) embracing Medical Common Sense. 909 pages, with 200 illustrations.

Contents: The cause, Prevention, and Cure of Disease--The Food we Eat--The Liquids we Drink--The Atmosphere we Live in--The Clothes we Wear--Bad Habits of Children and Youth--Bad Habits of Manhood and of Womanhood--Sexual Starvation--How to have Healthy Babies--Private Words to Men--Impotency--History of Marriage, etc.

The book is carefully and thoughtfully written in plain language, easily understood, and with the object of making its readers better parents and better citizens through the knowledge obtained of themselves and their duty to others. No parent should be without this book. Useful for every-day reference. Post free, six shillings.

DR. FOOTE'S HANDBOOK OF HEALTH, comprising information of the utmost importance to all who wish to enjoy life. 128 pages, post free, 1/1.

THE LIFE AND WRITINGS OF T. R. MALTHUS. By C. R. Drysdale, M.D. 120 pages, with portrait of Malthus. Should be read by every student of social problems. Post free, 8d.

THE POPULATION QUESTION. By Dr. C. R. Drysdale. A careful and complete statement of the Neo-Malthusian position. 100 pp., stout wrapper; post free 8d.

THE OVER-GROWTH OF POPULATION, AND ITS REMEDY. An Address to men only, delivered at Lambeth Baths on Tuesday, January 15th, 1889, by William Lant Carpenter, B.A., B.Sc. Post free, 2d.

EARLY MARRIAGE AND LATE PARENTAGE. The only Solution of the Social Problem. By Oxoniensis. Post free, 2 1/2d.

THE CAUSE OF POVERTY. A paper read at the National Liberal Club, by Dr. C. R. Drysdale. Post free 2d.

POVERTY: Its Cause and Cure. By M. G. H. Post free, 2d.

NOTES

[1] This has already been admirably done in two pamphlets by Dr. C. R. Drysdale, President of the Malthusian League: (1) The Life and Writings of Malthus; (2) The Population Question.

[2] Preface to Special Report of Trial.

[3] Lucifer, July, 1891.

[4] See Appendix.