Judge, 1898-12-10 · page 10 of 16
Judge — December 10, 1898 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains several unrelated satirical pieces typical of early-20th-century humor magazines: **"Microbatic"** mocks scientists' obsession with germ theory. The irony: a man so paranoid about microbes that he sterilizes milk and avoids unheated bread—yet carelessly drinks contaminated water. It satirizes the period's growing awareness of bacterial contamination as somewhat overwrought. **"A Divided House"** jokes about Theosophy, a popular mystical movement claiming reincarnation. The society splits when members discover conflicting past lives (one claims to be Henry VIII; another claims to be his executed wife). It ridicules the movement's logical absurdities. **"A Shorn Samson"** references pianist Ignacy Jan Paderewski, famous for his long hair. Mrs. Hohmboddie compares his hair to Samson's—implying his musical genius depends on it—making her husband seem obtuse for not grasping this "obvious" connection. It gently mocks both celebrity worship and spousal logic. The cartoons use domestic situations and recognizable figures to satirize period preoccupations: scientific advancement, spiritualist fads, and celebrity culture.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
MICROBATIC. HERE'S naught in nature nowadays One day, while dining with a friend, The man of science does not probe; He ate some cherries ripe and red, All microscopic forms he knows — But first he dipped them in a glass The deadly germ, the foul microbe. Of mineral water—so ‘tis said. 4 They say that Pasteur was afraid And while they talked of this and that — Of bread unless ‘twas piping hot ; Oh, cruel fate !—it came to pass | And were the milk not sterilized, The man of science quite forgot ‘You may be sure he drank it not. And drank the water in the glass. NELEN W. GROVE, A DIVIDED HOUSE. Jonesmuh— | thought your theosophical society was such a success, and that since it was discovered that one of your members was Henry viii. reincar- nated the whole society had taken on a new lease of life.” Billbrown —* Well, things did go along nicely for a time, until we admit- . ted a member who immediate- ly discovered that she was the reincarnation of one of Henry's executed wives. Things got aw- fully hot, our so- ciety split into two factions, and f finally the whole THE GIRL IN LOVE. thing collapsed.” She's timid and believes She shrinks from war's Yet, womanlike, she'll never cease To love the call to arms. . A SHORN SAMSON. Mr. Hohmboddie (glancing up from his paper)—"" This ought to in- terest you, dear. Paderewski has had his hair cut off” Mrs. Hohmboddie — | saw that long ago, but I don’t believe a word of it.” Mr. Hohmboddie —" Why not?” 3 : Mrs. Hohmboddie —* Because 1 don’t think he would do anything so mean and so unjust.” Mr. Hohmboddie —" Unjust? To whom ?* Mrs. Hohmboddie — To bis audience.” Mr. Hokmboddie (mystified)—“ But, my dear, what could his hair amount to?” Mrs. Hokmboddie —* What did Samson's hair amount to? He soon found out, when it was cut—only that wasn't 44s fault, poor fellow!" Mr. Hohmboddie —" But Paderewski's hair surely had nothing to do with his playing 2” . Mrs, Hohinboddie—" \t bad everything to do with it! I ever aman had hair that a genius ought to have, Paderewski was that man.” Mr. Hokmboddie — Then you think people will cease to appreciate ; nie anicriss ies Ristae his music merely because he has had his hair cut ?” Neen ene eee WET ie Cooldnt hook mio’ hat ef tt had blo Mrs. Hohmboddie (firmly) —" | am sure of it. I know 1, for one, layed out wif a speeritual level.” shall never go to hear him again, No—never !” Miss OLMAYD (who Aas trapped a mouse)— “Ugh! the abominable little creature may not be dead, so I'll just put it here on the porch while Ty... SHAY S get a basin of water and immerse it before taking it * out of the trap.” , a ‘i Miss OLMAYD (returning) —"* Gracious | it’s Stray cat—"'I thought I smelled something. one trap and all, Who'd have supposed the horrid thing had such strength ?” comicbooks.com