Life, 1919-02-13 · page 36 of 42
Life — February 13, 1919 — page 36: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine combines advertisements with satirical content typical of the era. The main cartoon is a visual joke about a car crash: a detailed technical chart shows stopping distances at various speeds, yet the headline emphasizes the car was going only 15 mph when "smashed to splinters." The satire critiques drivers who assume safety depends on speed alone, when accident records show 76% of crashes occur at low speeds—the real issue is brake maintenance and stopping ability, not recklessness. The bottom contains a wordplay joke: a student misreads Diocletian's reign, confusing "husbandry was greatly decreased" (agricultural decline under the Roman emperor) with a statement about marriage. It's gentle humor about reading comprehension. The rest is period product advertising (brake linings, deodorant, cough drops, antacids)—standard for *Life*'s revenue model.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
sorte are runout Smashed to Leading automobile eng: have worked out the ac a tng chart. It shows how quickly \ anantomobile, going at various speeds, shonld be able tostop, providing the brake mechauivm is ficient, and rend conditions average. splinters! Yet the car was going only 15 miles an hour M:: people think of a reckless driver as one who goes streaking along country roads at 50 miles an hour, or shooting through city streets faster than the law allows. Yet official records show that 76% of all automobile accidents occur when the carisgoing 15 miles an hour or less. Safety, for yourself and your car, is not a matter of how fast you are going, but how quickly you can stop. Don't take chances with your safety. The chart printed above shows how quickly your car should stop, at va rious speeds, if your brakes arein good condition, and working right, How to avoid accidents A simple inspection of your brakes at frequent intervals will make them a source of protection instead cfdanger. Perhaps only a tightening ofthe brake rods, or an adjustment ofthe equalizer is all that {8 needed. Your garage man will know ifthe brake bands re ordisary wovee quire relining. Notice the loexeh Why Thermoid brake lining is (( fe0ire, safest and wears longest Incach square inch of Thermoid brake £7.22)" "6B LUANS | Hot water FOR INDIGESTION | Wears - lining there is 40% more material than in ordinary brake lining. This additional body gives a closer texture which is made tight and compact by Aydraulic com- pression under 2000 Ibs. pressure. In addition to thi ‘Thermoid is Grapnalized, an exclusive process in manu- facture which enables it to resist moisture, oil and gasoline, The close, compact texture of Ther moid so processed causes itto wear down more slowly than ordinary brake lining, and evenly so that it maintains its gripping power even when worn to wafer thinness, Have your brakes inspected today. Remember that every foot of Ther- moid ig backed by Ozer Goorontee, Thermoid will make good—or WE WILL’ Thermoid Rubber Compang Factory and Main Offices, Trenton, New Jersey Chieago San Fraseico Detroit les Philadelpbis Pitsbergh Boston London Parle, Tatia, New York Nyaraoile vakeLioiog compact CANADIAN DISTRIRUTORS His Point Proved HOMAS had responded to Miss Jenny's call for a summary of the reign of Diocl He described it vividly, and added, “ They couldn't get the people to be married.” Miss Jenny looked puzzled. “WI I don't recall seeing that in history. “Yes'n Thomas insisted, “ right here it says so.” And she read, “ But in the reign of Diocletian, husbandry was greatly decreased.” jan, “ Mum" neutralizes odor of perspiration ‘*Mum’’ does more—it neu- tralizes any body odor. 25 cents. Sold by nearly every drug- and department-store. is a trade mark registered in U.S, Patent Ofce “Mum” Mfg Co 1106 Chestnut Street Philadelphia With a War Savings Stamp HIS modest token, lady mine, 1 send thee for a valentine: Observe how fitting is hue Truth’s own symbolic color, blue; And, like my love, ’tis single-faced, And sure to stick when rightly placed. Nor it is but a transient guest, But pledged to future interest Though’ chastely fair, its worth is more Than showier offerings sent before: Then, love, accept with smile benign My patriotic valentine! Corinne Rockwell Swain. AN optimist looks at an oyster and ex t looks at an oyster and expects ptomaine poisoning. —New York Evening Sun. pects a pearl. A_pessim Give Quick Relief | from throat tickle, soreness, dryness and annoying irritations. Sweeten tho breath and comfort the mouth. No nar- cotics, no coloring—safe and pleasant. In the Luden yellow, sanitary package. Reading, Pa. Wm. H, Luden MENTHOL COUGH DROPS: