Plague Doctors

Plague doctors were medical professionals who treated patients during outbreaks of bubonic plague, particularly in the 14th to 17th centuries. They are often recognized by their distinctive beaked masks, which were thought to protect them from miasma, or "bad air," believed to carry disease. The masks were filled with aromatic substances to help mask odors. Plague doctors typically wore dark robes and gloves to minimize contact with infected individuals. Despite their efforts, their understanding of disease was limited, and they often faced challenges in effectively treating patients during these devastating epidemics. Their role has become symbolic of early public health efforts.