Life — December 26, 1912 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Have You a Hysterical Temperament?" This page satirizes a fraudulent spiritualist scam called "Life's Vibration Parlors." The text mocks "Swami Baa Baa," a fake yogi claiming to cure nervous conditions through vibrations and paid "consultations." The humor targets gullible wealthy clients (illustrated by the small cartoon of a well-dressed man at top left) who pay for imaginary treatments. The included testimonial from "Dolly" describes absurd results—becoming "queen-like" and gaining sudden prominence—revealing how the scam preys on women's desires for social elevation and transformation. The satire criticizes both the fraudulent operators and the credulous public willing to believe that thoughts alone can materialize real-world changes. This reflects Progressive-era skepticism toward new-age wellness schemes and spiritualist cons.