Life, 1918-06-20 · page 14 of 36
Life — June 20, 1918 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The main cartoon depicts a group of men gathered in what appears to be a workshop or industrial setting, titled "The Optimists." The illustration satirizes overly optimistic individuals, likely referencing early 20th-century business or labor contexts. Below, a section titled "Life's Title Contest" announces results from a reader competition with 168,308 contributions, acknowledging the labor required to judge them. The lower cartoon, captioned "Gee! I wish I lived in the country and had a real garden to dig in!", depicts a rabbit in an urban garden—likely satirizing romanticized notions of rural life versus harsh urban reality. The "Skillful Diagnosis" dialogue between a specialist and patient mocks quack medical practitioners, a common Life target. The specialist uses pseudo-scientific jargon while the patient expresses skepticism about the diagnosis.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE OPTIMISTS ‘Life’s Title Contest O CONTESTANTS: After the close of the contest on May Oth it was disclosed that the total number of contributions was 168,308. The reading of these contribu- tions with care entails a lot of labor, and we therefore beg the indulgence of all concerned. The reading is now com- pleted, and the work of selection is going on as rapidly as possible. The verdict of the judges will be published in an early issue of Lire, announcement of which will be made in advance. Skilful Diagnosis S SCIALIST: Your trouble, madam, is an alarming diminution and retardation of the respiratory function. My t accelerate both inhalation and exhalation, thereby relieving you from the oxygen starva- tion from which you now suffer. Because of the resulting purifi proved, and life will assume new charms by reason of per- fect metabolism. Patient: 1 knew that other doctor didn’t understand tion of the blood, your circulation will be much im- “Gee! L WISH [LIVED IN THE COUNTRY AND HAD A my case, He told me I must breathe more. REAL GARDEN TO DIG IN!” comicbooks eam