Life — June 4, 1885 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Science Versus the Worm" This cartoon depicts two fishermen by a stream with fishing rods. The caption "Science Versus the Worm" suggests a humorous commentary on fishing methodology—likely contrasting scientific or modern approaches to fishing with traditional bait-and-worm techniques. One figure appears to be using an elaborate or presumably scientific fishing method (possibly a fly rod or specialized equipment), while the other uses the simple, time-tested approach of a worm on a line. The joke appears to be about whether sophisticated, scientific methods actually outperform basic, traditional fishing techniques. This reflects early 20th-century American humor about the tension between technological progress and practical, conventional wisdom—a recurring theme in *Life* magazine's satire of the era.