Life, 1890-02-06 · page 12 of 18
Life — February 6, 1890 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Explanation of Life Magazine Page This page contains three satirical pieces from Life magazine's humor section: **"Solved"** (top): A joke about Boston social pretension. A distinguished woman at Delmonico's (an elite NYC restaurant) orders "equine radish" (horseradish) instead of simply asking for horseradish—her affected, pompous language confirms she's a Boston woman, settling a bet among diners. The satire mocks Boston intellectuals' perceived snobbishness and overwrought speech. **Middle cartoon**: A photographer's assistant pressures a father to pay for his son's portrait, sardonically playing on paternal obligation and filial irresponsibility. **"Old Dr. Pille" dialogue**: A cynical exchange between father and son doctors. The elder warns the younger never to tell a patient they're healthy—healthy patients don't return for repeat visits. The satire targets medical practitioners' financial self-interest over patient welfare. **"An Aggravated Case of Grip"** (bottom illustration): Likely depicts influenza or a similar illness; context suggests it complements the doctor joke. All pieces employ dark humor about social pretense, financial exploitation, and professional dishonesty.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
- LIFE: SOLVED. T was about luncheon time at Del- monico’s. A distinguished-look- ing woman came in and seated herself at one of the tables. Her appearance was such that she attracted considerable attention and became the subject of much conjecture among the other guests. Two gentlemen at the nearest table became greatly interested in her, and one of them wagered that she was a Boston woman, The waiter was appealed to, but could throw no light on the subject, and it seemed as though the bet would have 2 to go undecided. Finally the waiter asked her if ste would have some mustard. “None, thank you,” she replied; “but you may bring me a little of the equine radish.” The man who had bet against Boston paid up at once. “YOUR SON WAS HERE YESTERDAY AND HAD THAT PICTURE TAKEN.” “THAT'S LIKE HIM,” ‘*AND HE SAID YOU WOULD BE AROUND TO PAY FOR IT.” “AND THAT'S LIKE HIM," Young Dr. Pille: 1 avteNpeD MRs, LaNouIsH To-DaY, Fa- THER, BUT I CAN'T SEE FOR THE LIFE OF ME THAT ANYTHING 1S THE MATTER WITH HER, Old Dr. Pille (gasping): BUT FOR MEAVEN'S SAKE, MY BOY, I HOPE YOU DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING OF THE KIND TO her/ Young Dr. Pille: No, FATHER. Old Dr, Pille: Good! You KNOW A HEALTHY PATIENT LASTS A LONG TIME, MORTIMER! AN AGGRAVATED CASE OF GRIP. comicbooks.com