The plague doctor3/15/2024 The exact origins of the costume are unclear, as most depictions come from satirical writings and political cartoons. The canes were also used to keep people away and to remove clothing from plague victims without having to touch them. Doctors used wooden canes in order to point out areas needing attention and to examine patients without touching them. The wide-brimmed leather hat indicated their profession. The garments covered the body, shielding against splattered blood, lymph, and cough droplets, and the waxed robe prevented fleas (the true carriers of the plague) from touching the body or clinging to the linen. Though these particular theories about the plague's nature were incorrect, it is likely that the costume actually did afford the wearer some protection. Doctors believed the herbs would counter the "evil" smells of the plague and prevent them from becoming infected. This was thought to be the principal cause of the disease. The smell taken with the most caution was known as miasma, a noxious form of "bad air". The purpose of the mask was to keep away bad smells, such as the smell of decaying bodies. The beak could hold dried flowers (commonly roses and carnations), herbs (commonly lavender and peppermint), camphor, or a vinegar sponge, as well as juniper berry, ambergris, cloves, labdanum, myrrh, and storax. The mask had two small nose holes and was a type of respirator which contained aromatic items. The typical mask had glass openings for the eyes and a curved beak shaped like a bird's beak with straps that held the beak in front of the doctor's nose. The costume consists of a leather hat, mask with glass eyes and a beak, stick to remove clothes of a plague victim, gloves, waxed linen robe, and boots. Description Plague doctor outfit from Germany (17th century) However, the costume was mostly worn by late Renaissance and early modern physicians studying and treating plague patients. It is often seen as a symbol of death and disease. The clothing worn by plague doctors was intended to protect them from airborne diseases during outbreaks of bubonic plague in Europe. His nose-case is filled with herbal material to keep off the plague. 1656, of a plague doctor of Marseilles (introduced as 'Dr Beak of Rome'). Clothing worn by plague doctors that was intended to protect them from infection Paul Fürst, engraving, c.
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