From Shorpy, Washington, D.C. “Prof. H.E. Burton, 8/5/29.” A Star Search matinee. National Photo Company Collection glass negative.
There was a time when astronomers actually looked into their telescopes, instead of working at remote locations on sophisticated digital (or a bit earlier, photographic) equipment. But one can imagine that there were times when things got a bit boring in the observatory, and then idle minds became the devil’s workshop.
Al Frueh proposed just such an incident in 1937, in the New York Times. Here’ for your gratuitous pleasure, is reproduced
THE JEST
As a kid, I had one of those little black eye tubes. It worked great. And just in case you think old guys can’t be trolls,
Watch out for retired people. We have the time to make your life hell.
The Old Wolf has spoken.
Playing in the World Game 
As a great grandson of A. Frueh, tje original hand draw hangs in my living room and am proud to say it captures attention, and I only hope to capture his imagination. It is a hilarious cartoon even today. And spot on. I am a scientist myself and this is not necessarily out of the question (but email would replace a steamboat!)
Thank you so much for reaching out to comment. What a treasure to have, what an honor to be descended from such a delightful artist! This has long been one of my favorite vintage cartoons.