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plague doctor
post #3808927 post #2574029 post #1372690 post #2465918
During the Black Plague in the 14th Century, physicians wore a predecessor of the modern Hazmat Suit: A waxed, ankle-length leather coat, a mask resembling the head of a bird, and a short, wide-brimmed hat (or a hood). The beak of the mask was filled with posies, which was believed to filter out "Miasma" (the literal stink of disease, which was erroneously thought to be the vector of infection). The overall effect was extremely disconcerting, leaving the costume forever associated with epidemics.
The costume itself was surprisingly effective: Infected fleas couldn't cling to the waxed leather, and posies contain a chemical that destroys bacteria. However, the bacteria themselves would often cling to the outfit, causing the doctors to accidentally spread the infection.
