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Jan 1, 1550
Ebers Papyrus
An Egyptian manuscript called the Ebers Papyrus directs women on how to mix dates, acacia and honey into a paste, smear it over wool and use it as a pessary to prevent conception -
Casanova
Casanova's memoirs detail his experiments in birth control, from sheep-bladder condoms to the use of half a lemon as a makeshift cervical cap -
Ovum Discovery
The first step in understanding the science of human reproduction was the discovery of the existence of the female egg,the ovum. -
First Condoms
Charles Goodyear invents the technology to vulcanize rubber so that rubber condoms, intrauterine devices, douching syringes and "womb veils"can be produced. -
Sperm and the Female Egg
During this time, it was thought that men created life and women just provided the home for it.Scientists learn in this year that conception occurs in human reproduction when the sperm enters the female egg. -
Antiobscenity law
-Passed by Congress, the antiobscenity law deems birth control and anything to do with it as "obscene" and outlaws its production.
-At the time, the U.S. is the only Western nation to criminalize contraception -
Comstock Law
This law, influenced by Anthony Comstock, made it illegal to send any "obscene, lewd, and/or lascivious" materials through the mail, including contraceptive devices and information. This aslo banned contraceptives, and anything having to do with it, including information on abortion for educational purposes. -
FDA
The FDA took a major role in this issue since were few federal laws regulating the contents and sale of domestically produced food and pharmaceuticals up until they came along. -
The Woman Rebel
In Margaret Sanger's journal 'The Woman Rebel' she tells women about avoiding pregnancy, specially at times of illness or poverty. No contraception methods are included but he New York City postmaster bans the journal under the Comstock Law since it was "obscene, lewd, lascivious." -
Birth Control Is a Dirty Word
-Margaret Sanger uses the term "birth control" in the June issue of The Woman Rebel and is indicted for this crime and others under the Comstock Law.
-She flees the country to continue her work in England. -
National Birth Control League
Women form the National Birth Control League in New York City to fight for birth control. -
Aristotle
The Greek philosopher Aristotle is one of the first people to use natural chemicals such as cedar oil, lead ointment or frankincense oil as spermicides.