LONDON, August 2, 1996, Graphic News

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE CONDOM 
Notes compiled by the British Safety Council

1. The ancient Egyptians first used condoms in 1500 BC. They were made of linen with a knot in the end, used for preventing disease rather than pregnancy.
2. Since then condom makers have used fish bladders, lambÕs intestines, oiled paper, calf skin and tortoiseshell before settling on rubber in the 19th century.
3. In 3000 BC, men used sheaths to protect themselves from flies and evil spirits.
4. Early condoms had some form of ribbon at the open end to stop them slipping off.
5. Romeo King Charles II used sheep gut condoms, invented by his physician Ð Dr Condom. The word probably originated from him, though it may come from the Latin ÔcondereÕ meaning to protect.
6. Mrs Phillips of The Strand was the first recorded condom manufacturer Ð she opened a shop in 1701. As a brothel keeper, she wanted to keep her clients free from disease.
7. Casanova was a big fan of the condom, calling it ÔThe English Riding CoatÕ. It was made of leather.
8. In 1844 the discovery of the vulcanisation of rubber led to the manufacture of rubber condoms. Up to the 1930s rubber condoms were thick and washable.
9. First sold individually in barbersÕ shops or other men-only establishments, the three-pack originated during World War II, when each soldier was issued with three condoms for weekend leave Ð two for the weekend, one for luck.
10. The Allied troops were issued with condoms during the amphibious landing at Dunkirk to protect their rifle barrels. Troops in the tropics used condoms for storing tobacco and matches, as it was the only way of keeping them dry.
11. Sailors carry a condom in their survival kit along with chocolate, cigarettes and matches. British army survival kits contain condoms for use as a water carrier.
12. In 1989 BritainÕs first musical condom was launched. A microchip in the end played a 30-second burst of the Beatles ÔLove Me DoÕ when bodily movements Ôreached a certain pitchÕ, according to the makers.
13. TodayÕs condoms are 0.03mm thick.
14. The average condom stretches to five feet long, can hold two litres of water and 45 litres of air, although the record is 68 litres.
15. In emergencies, condoms have been used as a temporary fan belt in cars and as a form of life belt in the sea.
16. Condom manufacturers kept their products fairly plain until they faced competition from the Pill.
17. Flavoured condoms are now on sale for people who donÕt like the smell of latex. Flavours range from chocolate to pina colada, strawberry and rum.
18. Out of all the different coloured condoms on the market, black is the most popular, closely followed by red then blue. Ribbed is the most popular texture.
19. Only use water based lubricants or special spermicides with condoms Ð oil based products rot the latex. Baby oil in particular destroys up to 95% of a condomÕs strength. Other common enemies are salad cream, butter, margarine, ice-cream, sun oil, lipstick, cooking oil and petroleum jelly.
20. People in Yorkshire head the national lovemaking league, claiming to have sex 88 times a year. Last place is reserved for Londoners, who manage an average of 71 times a year.

Source: British Safety Council