the Plague Doctor

A Plague Doctor was a historical figure, primarily during the 17th century, who specialized in treating victims of the bubonic plague. They often wore distinctive protective costumes, including a long coat and a mask with a beak-like structure filled with aromatic substances. The mask's design aimed to protect the doctor from the disease’s airborne transmission by filtering contaminated air. Despite their appearance, their role was often more about carrying treatments and providing care rather than a guaranteed method of prevention. Their image has since become symbolic of historical efforts to combat devastating pandemics.