Life, 1915-09-02 · page 34 of 48
Life — September 2, 1915 — page 34: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two satirical pieces mocking contemporary society circa early 1900s. **"The Doctor"** (poem by Arthur Guiterman) complains that physicians are underappreciated and overworked—called out at 3 AM for indigestion, interrupted during leisure, dealing with demanding patients who complain about their treatments, yet still face public criticism ("vilify him here, in Life"). **"Where, Maybe, Those Butterfly Nurses Come From"** satirizes wealthy young women's superficial motivations for becoming Red Cross nurses during wartime. A mother encourages her spoiled daughter to become a nurse not from genuine patriotic duty, but because she's exhausted the family budget through excessive spending and household chaos. The "serious" act of nursing is presented as an escape from consequences—a way to remove herself while giving parents "such a rest." The satire suggests these women viewed nursing as fashionable service rather than genuine sacrifice. Both pieces mock self-interest hiding behind socially respectable roles.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The Doctor A\tt who would choose to be a Doctor— A Microbe-stalking Pill-concocter ! At3 A.M. they ring his Bell Because some Fellow’s dined too well. He has to leave a Joyous Frolic Because a Baby gets a Colic; And while subduing Mortal Ills With Jalap, Ipecac and Squills, He has to hear the Conversations Of Patients, matching Operations; And then, to crown his Pain and Strife, They vilify him here, in Lire! Arthur Guiterman, THE FRENCH VERSION SALON OF LOUIS THE VERY FIRST Where, Maybe, Those Butterfly Nurses Come From HE modern well-to-do mother said to her daughter: “Have you scattered everything about your room until it has a hope- less air of confusion?” “T have, mother.” “Have you taken all the towels out of the linen closet and strewn them over the bathroom floor?” “Yes, mother.” “ Have you had a Ict of extra things charged to your dear papa that he doesn’t know about?” “Yes, mamma.” “And exceeded your allowance?’ “Yes, mamma.” “Then don't you think you ought to do something serious?” I do, mamma, and I think it would he just beautiful to be a Red Cr nurse, You know, I read aloud quite well, and it would be so delight? sit hy the bedside of all those charm- ing soldiers and smooth their brows And it would help to bring out character, wouldn't it, mamma?” Her dear mother was thoughtful for a moment. Then she replied sweetly: “Yes, darling; and, besides, it would give us such a rest.” powers expositi Mr. physiol comicbooks.com