The Wasp — 1878 — page 244: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily **advertising and announcements** for San Francisco businesses and entertainment venues (circa 1878), with minimal satirical content. The only notable illustration is labeled "WONDERFUL BUT TRUE!" depicting what appears to be a bearded holy figure or religious mystic in robes. The accompanying text references "Prof. J. D. McLennan, the celebrated healer" advertising services for treating chronic diseases through alleged supernatural or faith-healing powers. This image likely mocks medical quackery and fraudulent healers—common targets of satirical publications. The "wonderful but true" caption is ironic, suggesting skepticism about the healer's claims. The rest of the page consists of standard commercial advertisements for tailors, theaters, savings societies, and educational institutions typical of period San Francisco publications.