Author: John M. Riddle
John Riddle uncovers the obscure
history of contraception and abortifacients from ancient Egypt to the seventeenth century with forays into Victorian England-a topic that until now has evaded the pens of able historians. Riddle's thesis is, quite simply, that the ancient world did indeed possess effective (and safe) contraceptives and abortifacients. The author maintains that this rich body of knowledge about
fertility control-widely held in the ancient world-was gradually lost over the course of the Middle Ages, becoming nearly extinct by the
early modern period. The reasons for this he suggests, stemmed from changes in the organization of medicine. As university medical training became…
Looking for information about birth control options is frustrating. This book tantalizes the reader with the possibilities but unfortunately, as the author points out, it is impossible to find real… John Riddle provides a comprehensive and compelling examination of contraception and abortion through history. An excellent reference, and the only source that shows the historical underpinnings of…
