From Cosmorama pittorico, Milan, 1884:
While the figure of Cavallotti surrounds himself with a new halo…. [Here labeled “Professor of Sacrifice,” leftist Italian politician Felice Cavallotti was notoriously combative and, as it happens, known for his gift for satire. It seems he led the fight against the cholera epidemic then underway in the city.]
… two organs of the press that claim to be democratic, instead of thinking of alleviating the great disaster that strikes us, beat each other without the public sympathizing with them… on the contrary!
Since quarantine and sanitary cordons remain useless, it is time to turn to the public authorities and enforce the law.
The needlefish of the Duomo seems to have the virtue of keeping commas away. And make it last! [“Comma” meaning the comma-bacillus associated with cholera.]
When the flying dirigible is perfected, everyone can safely escape all present and future diseases.
Miraculous discovery made in these days, by which, without the help of chemistry, you can make real and good protections… [last line obscured]
Sic Transit Pestilentia 