Life — February 13, 1931 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "Birds of a Feather" Page This page contains two distinct satirical pieces: **Upper section:** A humorous anecdote about a Chicago physician who mistakenly used parrot blood for a human infant's transfusion, successfully curing infantile paralysis. The satire mocks both medical incompetence and bureaucratic response—the piece predicts U.S. Senators will eventually receive parrot-blood treatments for various ailments, followed by absurdist dialogue where senators repeatedly demand "investigations" and "awks." **Lower cartoon:** Shows a mother introducing her large son to visitors at a bookshelf, saying "So this is your son. My, but he's a big fellow!" The joke's point remains unclear from context alone, but likely comments on child development, parenting, or social awkwardness of the era. Both pieces use exaggeration and wordplay typical of Life magazine's satirical style targeting medical and political institutions.