Life — July 23, 1903 — page 19: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts a domestic scene where Mrs. Hatlerson expresses superstitious worry that calling a doctor once will lead to many subsequent visits. Her husband corrects her, claiming it's not superstition but rather standard business practice—implying doctors deliberately encourage repeat visits for profit. The satire targets medical professionals' financial motivations, suggesting doctors exploit patients by recommending unnecessary follow-up appointments to increase fees. This reflects early 20th-century anxieties about healthcare costs and professional ethics. The humor relies on the husband's blunt acknowledgment that what appears to be medical necessity is actually a business model designed to maximize revenue at patients' expense.