Early Literature How did people learn about reproduction and birth control in early America? Traditional folk knowledge predominated, shared chiefly among women, passed by word of mouth. By 1700, text began to supplement this tradition.
	19th Century Artifacts Early condoms were fashioned of linen, sheep gut, or fish bladder, and used with ointments and medicinal solutions. Learn more about this and other artifacts, from “female pills” to methods of douching.
	The Civil War: soldiers and sex Traditional histories of the Civil War steer clear of sex and birth control in favor of heroes and battles. This ignores reality. Court martial records list over 100,000 incidents of sexual misconduct.
	Comstock’s Influence Based on a firm belief that the devil’s temptations were omniscient, Anthony Comstock rationalized that abstinence from all impure thoughts and behaviors secured the faithful path to righteousness. Learn more about his influence on the Comstock Acts!