Life — July 23, 1903 — page 13: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon satirizes superstitious beliefs about medical care. Mrs. Hatterton expresses anxiety about a doctor's visit, claiming superstition predicts multiple visits once the doctor arrives—suggesting she fears being locked into unnecessary medical treatment. Mr. Hatterton responds pragmatically: superstition isn't the issue; doctors' repeated visits are simply "business"—implying physicians profit from repeat appointments regardless of actual medical necessity. The satire targets two groups: wealthy patients' irrational superstitions about healthcare, and doctors' reputation (in this era) for excessive billing and unnecessary follow-up visits. The humor relies on Hatterton's blunt acknowledgment that medical practice was partly a commercial enterprise exploiting patient vulnerability. This reflects early 20th-century skepticism about medical professionalism and costs.