University of Virginia Library

Adding Information

First published at Duke
University, Ounce was edited by
Cynthia Merrill and Henry Wilson
for publication here at the
University, the "editing" consisting
of adding information as to where
one can obtain whatever is desired
in the way of contraception and
abortion in Charlottesville.

The "technical" information
offered in the book is for the most
part straight forward. How
pregnancy occurs, the menstrual
cycle, and venereal diseases are
described, but the most space is
given to methods of contraception.

Beginning with a short and
simple explanation of the rhythm
method, the book covers rubbers,
suppositories, foam, diaphragms,
IUD's, and the pill. All of these are
listed under reliable methods of
contraception. Each is explained
thoroughly, with a description,
instructions, who may use it,
acceptability, reliability,
side-effects, availability and cost.

Though pretty dry reading for
the most part, Ounce does have
occasional snatches of humor,
intentional or not. Condoms are
referred to as "a temporary or
emergency measure," which can
lead to all kinds of speculation.
Another gem is listing abstention
under unreliable methods of
contraception.