Miasma was believed to be the principal cause of the plague. 1656, of a plague doctor of Marseilles (introduced as 'Dr Beaky of Rome'). Below, Paul Fürst, engraving (coloured), c. This garment is one of the earliest examples of what we now refer to as a hazmat suit. People thought germs could not easily penetrate these materials. The plague doctor's long robe was crafted from linen and goat skin, with a wax or oil sealing added for an extra layer of safety. Their distinctive wooden canes served multiple purposes - pointing out areas needing attention, examining patients from afar, and keeping people away to contain the contagion. The gloves, boots, and wide-brimmed hat also helped to protect the individual from coming into contact with anything that may have been harmful. The plague doctor's outfit was based on the idea that it could protect the individual from catching the disease. The plague doctors of the Middle Ages were a mysterious sight, draped in an ankle-length overcoat, a beaked mask, and a wide-brimmed hat. The long beak-like nose piece was fitted with aromatic substances and the eyeholes were covered with glass. The costume’s gown was made of morocco leather, underneath which was worn a skirt, breeches, and boots, all of leather and fitting into one another. The costume was described by Jean Jacques Manget (1652-1742) in his Traité de la peste (Treatise on the plague), published in Geneva in 1721. This watercolor painting depicts the costume worn by physicians attending plague patients in the 17th century. Learning more about their practices helps us appreciate how far medicine has come, and how brave these individuals were to try and assist those suffering at a time when the cause and treatment of the plague were much debated. Their job took them to the epicentre of plague outbreaks during one of Europe's darkest periods in history. Their backgrounds varied some candidates had genuinely trained as doctors, but others, like one ex-fruit seller, were a little more unusual. ![]() Clad in an unnerving bird-like beak mask and gloves, these mysterious men were known as Plague Doctors.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |