Life — April 8, 1909 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page satirizes two distinct topics: **"Great Fun at Albany!"** critiques a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing where Dr. Lee testified about "two fanatical women" causing an "anti-vivisection crusade." The satire mocks both the sensationalism of the hearing and the dismissive attitude toward women activists concerned about animal testing—portraying the proceedings as theatrical spectacle rather than serious policy debate. **"Hysterics"** is a piece on the phenomenon of female hysteria in early 20th-century America. It describes hysterical episodes as "purely American" and notes they occur in women's clubs and meetings, often triggered by alcohol or emotional excitement. The text suggests such outbursts attack "upper classes" and occur at "stock exchanges" and "revival meetings." This reflects period medical attitudes viewing women's emotional expression as pathological and comedic.