Life, 1898-09-15 · page 13 of 20
Life — September 15, 1898 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page presents satirical "natural history" illustrations mocking contemporary political figures and New York society. Each creature receives a fake scientific name: - **"Grover Duck"** likely references President Grover Cleveland, depicted as game hunted along Cape Cod - **"Platty Puss"** (Manhattan) appears to satirize a fierce, undomesticated urban type—possibly a commentary on New York's rougher elements or political figures - **"Asinus Comstockianus"** references Anthony Comstock, the famous morality crusader, portrayed as a stubborn ass lacking intelligence but thriving in certain circles - **"Curiolus Dingleyo"** (unclear without fuller context) seems another society figure, described as a pest and climber who befriends wealthy manufacturers The humor relies on applying mock-Linnaean taxonomy to human types, a common Victorian satirical device. Modern readers would need to identify which specific politicians and public figures the cartoonist targeted to fully grasp each jab.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
-LTRE- GROVER DUCK Gamey; a high Mier and hard to hit; seen along the Cape Cod coast in summer. THE PLATTY PUSS, (Felis Damnatus.) Only partially domesticated; found wild on the tsland of Manhattan ; attacks anything. ; S. CURIOLUS DINGLEYO. ASINUS COMSTOCKIANUS. (Rins Americanus.) Although defictent tn tntelligence and possessed of a coarse mind, ts very High protection climber; dangerous pest; hard to exter- active lo certain pastures; while without visible friends, he seems to prosper minate when once in possession; generally flerce, bot will according to his own desires. ait tn the lap of a wealthy manufacturer and eat nuts.