Life, 1889-09-12 · page 7 of 16
Life — September 12, 1889 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis of Life Magazine Page 147 This page satirizes Dr. Brown-Sequard's "elixir of life"—a real late-19th century medical treatment involving animal extract injections that promised miraculous rejuvenation. The testimonials (genuine or mocking) claim benefits ranging from increased strength to financial gain. The cartoons mock both the treatment's absurdity and credulous believers. One sketch shows a sculptor, suggesting the "elixir" supposedly restored his artistic vigor. Another depicts a man striking a dramatic pose labeled "A Master Stroke," likely mocking the exaggerated claims. The humorous sidebar about oysters and a coal-dealer joke provides light relief from the main satire. The page targets medical quackery and the human tendency to believe in miraculous cures—timeless subjects that resonate today.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ITS WONDERFUL EFFECTS. ape following unsolicited testimonials speak for themselves : Grarton, W. Va., Aug. 14. Dr. BROWN-SEQUARD :~At my earnest request a local physician tried your elixir on me this afternoon. Although I had no previous experience in athletics, I found that by ten o'clock 1 was able to jump a board bill and leave town, You are at liberty to use my name in your next circular. W. TRASKER. Lovisvitte, Ky., Aug. 16. DR. BRowN-SEQUARD :—I have not been in the habit of taking more than three fingers of old Bourbon, but after two injections of your wonderful elixir of life I find I can carry four fingers without the slightest difficulty. You are, without doubt, the greatest benefactor the world has ever seen, Yours truly, Cot. BLuGRA! Boston, Mass., Aug. 14. DR. BROWN-SEQUARD :—Your elixir of life is certainly all it is claimed to be. I have taken three hypodermic injections and the result has been wonderful, Although born July 9, 1844, I find, after taking your great discovery, that I am now only 18 years of age. Yours gratefully, (Miss) Prisctt.ta GRE Davros, O., Aug. 17. EQUARD :—I was very skeptical about the alleged miraculous results of your preparation, until I tried it myself. I had my family doctor inject five drachms of the elixir into my cork leg, before retiring last night. I found on awaking this morning, that the cork was all gone and a flesh leg had taken its place. Dr. Brow»: F. P. Hens ALLEGHENY, Pa , Aug. 19. DR. BROWN-SEQUARD :—After one trial of your elixir of life I was able to draw a check for $40, although previously I had not a cent in the bank, Your discovery is of immense benefit. JaBez BUNTER, PENN Yan, Aug. 20. Dr. Brown-SEQUARD : —I hasten to tell you of the effect of one injection of your magical elixir. 1 had been sick for a year, but after taking as pre- bed, I felt strong en- ough to invite my mother- in-law to visit my house and stay a month. 1 had not previously been able to do this in all my mar- ried life. JEREMIAH JARV yet some peopl xir of life is a hum- bug! Wm, H., Siviter. ITTLE ELSIE: Oh, take me up, Mamma. It’s so mud- dy. MAMMA: Walk across, that’s a good girl. Mamma has all she can do to carry poor Fido. Country Visitor (after reading notice); “ HANDS OFF!" WELL I SHOULD SAY THEY WUZ, AN’ LEGS AN’ HEAD OFF, TOO. I WONDER WHO THE DURNED CRITTER 1S ANYHOW! Nese MICHAEL ANGELO Daprs, THE INFANT SON OF THAT WELL KNOWN ARTIST V. TITIAN DaBBS, HAS ALREADY BEGUN TO SHOW GREAT POWER IN DRAWING. O YSTER suppers are appropriate only for months which have an R in them, and for pocketbooks which have a V in them. OAL DEALER: How's trade? ICEMAN: Fine. It’s acoal day when I get left. A MASTER STROKE.