Life, 1904-12-01 · page 47 of 64
Life — December 1, 1904 — page 47: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is primarily a **product advertisement page**, not a political cartoon. It contains two distinct ads: **Top:** An Angelus player piano advertisement emphasizing the "Phrasing Lever" — a mechanical feature allowing emotional expression in automated musical performance. The ad markets to affluent consumers ("purchased by royalty and the world's greatest musicians"), claiming the lever transforms mechanical playing into artistically expressive performance. The heart imagery suggests the device adds "life" to otherwise lifeless mechanical music. **Bottom:** A Peter's Swiss Milk Chocolate advertisement positioning chocolate as an ideal Christmas gift. The illustration shows a woman (likely representing abundance or holiday spirit) with children, emphasizing wholesomeness and family appeal. Neither contains satire or political commentary. This represents typical *Life* magazine content from its early period — a mix of commercial advertising alongside editorial material, targeting middle-to-upper-class American readers interested in consumer goods and cultural products.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
nows You most 'HE Phrasing Lever has happily been called “ The play one note after another in exactly the proper time, Heart of the ANGELUS.” It seems almost ; 7 use loud or soft pedal, and even accent any certain notes literally to imbue this wonderful instrument with life. or passages. You can do all of this without The Phrasing The Phrasing Lever gives you just as little or just as Lever but it will leave you cold and unmoved. much life, shading, phrasing, individual expression or personal sympathy But then begin using The Phrasing Lever, and it will as you want, be your music classic or popular, sacred or operatic. completely transfigure your playing, interpret instantly your mood Yes, you can play without touching the Phrasing Lever, and still and feeling—your very thoughts and fancies. Then . Only an ANGELUS will satisfy you for only The ANGELUS has the Phrasing Lever PURCHASED BY ROYALTY AND THE WORLD'S GREATEST MUSICIANS, SEND FOR FREE HANDSOME BOOKLET AND THE NAME OF NEAREST AGENT The WILCOX & WHITE CO. *°"48'76""" Meriden, Conn., U.S. A. The Original Swiss Milk CHOCOLATE: Santa Claus’ Best Gift and one that delights every body. IRRESISTIBLY DELICIOUS. WHOLESOME as Bread and Butter. THE ORIGINAL—Other Brands are Imitations LAMONT, CORLISS & CO., /mporters 78 Hudson Street, NEW YORK. comicbooks.com