Judge — May 19, 1917 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon mocks the hidden costs of early automobile ownership. A well-dressed man (labeled "The Professor") admires another gentleman's car and baby carriage, asking what the "outfit" costs. The Professor misunderstands, thinking he's being asked about purchase price. The joke's punchline—"About four hours sleep every night"—reveals the real point: owning an automobile requires constant maintenance and worry, causing the owner chronic sleep loss. The juxtaposition of a fancy motorcar with a baby carriage suggests both represent significant ongoing expenses and responsibilities. This reflects early 1900s attitudes toward automobiles as luxury items with substantial upkeep demands, before cars became commonplace. The humor targets the gap between purchase enthusiasm and ownership reality.