The Wasp — 1889 — page 384: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is primarily a directory of hotels and watering places along the Pacific Coast, with various commercial advertisements interspersed. The main satirical element appears in the upper left: a caricatured figure labeled "L. A. BERTELING, SCIENTIFIC OPTICIAN, PATENTEE AND INVENTOR" with exaggerated facial features suggesting mockery of his appearance or claims. The accompanying text notes his "Instruments for measuring defects of the V's" and determining "their respective correction," though the exact nature of his invention remains unclear from the visible text. The satire likely targets either dubious medical claims or the man's personal appearance. The remainder of the page consists of hotel advertisements and patent medicine ads typical of period publications, offering limited additional satirical content.