The book of nature : containing information for young people who think of getting married: on the philosophy of procreation and sexual intercourse, showing how to prevent conception and to avoid child-bearing : also, rules for management during labor and child-birth.

Possibly the most enlightened, and detailed book on sex, reproduction, and contraception published during this period; illustrated in color. In addition to outlining the era's five most reliable methods of contraception (withdrawal, condoms, the vaginal sponge, douching and the rhythm method) Ashton explained the most effective means and timing for inducing miscarriage. Digital facsimile of the 1861 reprint from the Internet Archive at this link. The author, a physician, characterized himself on the title page as "Lecturer on Sexual Physiology, and Inventor of the Reveil Nocturne."