The Wasp — 1887 — page 389: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page contains mixed editorial content and advertising rather than a single cohesive cartoon. The visible illustration depicts three men around a "Napa Soda" bottle in what appears to be a social scene, likely satirizing some contemporary social behavior or product endorsement. The text includes articles on various topics: "Pro Bono Publico" (a community-focused piece), "A Hotel Incident" (anecdotal story), and "With Bubbling Groan" (discussing medical remedies). The latter discusses patent medicines and their ineffectiveness, which was common satirical territory for The Wasp. Substantial advertising fills the lower portion, including notices for Fredericksburg Brewing Co. and remedies for deafness—typical late 19th-century commercial content. Without clearer identification of the illustrated figures or additional context, the specific satirical target remains unclear.