Life, 1911-01-05 · page 37 of 104
Life — January 5, 1911 — page 37: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This comic depicts a classic confidence scheme disguised as medical advice. A patient (Jeremy) needs surgery and consults Dr. Jington, an expensive surgeon. A middleman named Purser acts as both the doctor's associate and the patient's supposed advocate, manipulating Jeremy through flattery and emotional appeals. The satire targets gullible wealth-anxiety: Purser convinces Jeremy that Jington's high fee ($2,500, later negotiated from an initial $5,000) reflects elite quality, not greed. He appeals to Jeremy's vanity ("the very best man") and fear for his wife's wellbeing. Jeremy and his wife accept the inflated price rather than risk inferior care. The punchline: months later, Jeremy admits feeling "beastly" but *proudly* reports the cost, having internalized that the expense itself proves quality. The scheme succeeded—the patient now equates high price with success, unable to objectively assess whether the surgery actually worked. The satire critiques both professional exploitation and middle-class insecurity about status and medical care.
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time to think it over, and isn’t going to yield without a struggle): Well, no wait a minute. We want to talk about the price, doctor. Jixcton : Certainly, That may be bet- ter (briskly), My ordinary price is from twenty-five hundred up, according to the complications; but in your case, con- sidering everything, I can do it for two thousand. Jerestx (almost in a collapse) Great Scott! I had no idea that it was so ex- pensive that. Jixctox: That's what I get. Of course, I presume you can get someone else cheaper. You know I didn’t come to you; you came to me. However, don’t let me influence you in any way. Sup- pose you talk it over with Purser, here (He leaves the room and converses gent- ly with Mas. Jereain in the hall.) Jeremtx: I can't stand for that. Purser: I supposed, of course, that you wouldn't be satisfied with any but the very best man. Jington is right on top and he gets his price. Jexeat : It's a simple operation, isn't 3 BETTER THAN RICHES Purse simple. My dear sir, no operation is There is always danger. Jenemin : Great heavens! I thought Purser: Now, don't misunderstand me. I don’t consider that in the hands of a man like Jington you will be taking any chances at all—he’s a wonder! Jrresix: Can't you persuade him to do it for less? Say a thousand! Good Lord! I thought that five hundred. Perser: Not possible. He docs a lot of charity work; I never saw a man who cared so little for money as he does. He would do it for nothing if you couldn't afford it; but he has his reputa- tion, and its either his price or someone else. Jeremin (losing his nerve): Now, hon- estly, doctor, you've been our family physician for a long time and I have the utmost confidence in you, and, of course, this ts important to me and my wife—a man can’t take any chances, It would be foolish for me to consider money. Tell me, then, just what you would do if you were in my place. Puxser: I wouldn't hesitate a moment, knowing as much as I do, I'd have Jing- ton perform that operation if it took every cent I have in the world. Jenemtx: Well, 1 suppose that's t best thing to do; all right, go ahead. Mas. Jeresan (joining him, whiie the o doctors consult in whispers in an ad- joining room): 1 wouldn't care a snap how much it cost, dear. I will go with- out everything for a year if necessary. And I have every confidence in Dr. Pur- ser's advice. Jeremin (resignedly) : IV months later, in Enter a friend. So have I Scene: Two MrN's office. Friexn: Hello, old man! Glad to see you, Didn't know you were out Jereaux: Yes; I've been out a couple of weeks. Friexp: And you are all right, are you? Jeresax: Shaky. Between you and me I feel beastly; but I'm able to be around, and the operation was a great success. Chap who did it is a wonder. Friexp: Expensive business, isn't it? Jeremix (proudly) It cost me twenty- five hundred. Jere comicbooks.com