Life, 1905-05-18 · page 22 of 32
Life — May 18, 1905 — page 22: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three distinct satirical pieces from *Life* magazine: **"Doctor Slater's Chloroform Institute"** is a dark mock-advertisement for a suicide clinic. It parodies upscale funeral homes by offering euthanasia services with euphemistic language ("depart this life in orderly manner"). The satire critiques both the wealthy's detachment from life and the era's fascination with chloroform as a medical cure-all. **"Grandmothers"** humorously depicts two grandmothers quarreling over child-rearing advice—a common domestic conflict. The satire pokes fun at interfering in-laws and contradictory parenting philosophies. **"Putting On Airs"** (cartoon) shows a woman dressed in corset advertisements, satirizing how women's fashion was literally constructed from commercial branding—her dress is made of product labels. This mocks both consumerism and women's objectification through fashion. The "Punishment" anecdote trivializes African colonial violence as comic material, reflecting the era's problematic racial attitudes.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
oa Dy Ul Se a ANNOUNCEMENT. Doctor Slater’s Chloroform Institute. Wio UsEFuLness. Bexerit or | Have THEIR For THe RSONS OutiiveD OCATED pleasantly on upper Fifth Avenue commanding a fine view of the P, Slater's Institute all those desire to depart this life in offers exceptional advan who orderly manner. Persons are first required to register, and having stated their pedigree, references and other informa- tion to the committee in charge, and having been duly examined by the attending physician as to their general unfitness to remain any longe> and keep up with the procession, they are then assigned to quarters according to their means. Rooms with southern exposure extra. Patients desiring their friends and relatives with them during their last moments should notify the management in advance. Suitable costumes will be provided, and may be selected, at a moderate cos Flowers by messenger or telephone. A special discount on lilies given to patrons. We keep a list of the élite undertakers and if so desired patients may consult with them in advance, giving such personal directions as may be thought necessary. Our patrons rarely, if ever, give tips to attend- ants. For this reason, any inattention on the part of our employees should be reported as carly as possible before demise. All unseemly weeping and other manifestations of grief will not be permitted, as it has a tendency to disturb discipline. Private stenographer to take down last words, xtra. Guests with or without baggage will pay in advance Special rooms reserved by telephone or wire. We guarantee the faithful delivery of last mes- sages and relics If you are tired of life, ring us up. Terms on application. Slater's Institute. OMETIMES it it saves Temptation better to meet Temptation halfway whole trip. Grandmothers. BUT at last the two grandmothers fell completely out. “If L didn’t know any more about spoiling a baby than you,” hissed the grandmother on the mother's side, " T should never try!" grandmother on the father’s side was livid with s!" she cried, disdainfully. Why, the stupidest baby ever born would grow up and amount to something in spite of your fatuous devices | And no doubt they would have come to blows, but for the indfathers, who sobered them by pointing out that while “y were quarreling, the child was wholly neglected, except for the poor attentions of its parents and the hired nurses, Punishment. FRIENS. Was that African potentate you met very severe upon the criminals in his jurisdiction? Oh, yes; sometimes he would cut off a nes a head, and, in particularly aggrava would make them wear the clothes the mi: ary socicties send them ENPLoRER: hand, somet cases, PUTTING ON AIRS. comicbooks.com