Plague Doctor Mask
Fourteenth century plague doctors who wore a bird-like mask were referred to as “beak doctors”. Straps held the beak in front of the doctor’s nose. The mask had glass openings for the eyes and a curved beak was shaped like a bird’s.
The mask they wore had a protruded beak which contained aromatic items. The beak could hold dried flowers (including roses and carnations), herbs (including mint), spices, camphor or a vinegar sponge.
The purpose of the mask was to keep away bad smells, which were thought to be the principal cause of the disease in the miasma theory of infection, before it was disproven by germ theory. Doctors believed the herbs would counter the “evil” smells of the plague and prevent them from becoming infected.
The beak doctor costume worn by the plague doctors had a wide brimmed leather hood to indicate their profession. They used wooden canes to point out areas needing attention and to examine the patients without touching them. The canes were also used to keep people away, to remove clothing from plague victims without having to touch them, and to take a patient’s pulse.
(via bewellstaysick)
