HISTORY
What Are Plague Doctors and the Role They Played in History?
From the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, plague doctors were tasked with treating those infected with pandemics. Learn their history and why they wore those weird masks.
What is a Plague Doctor?
A plague doctor was a medical professional who treated those infected with pandemics during the pre-modern times, from the Middle Ages up to the early 20th century. These physicians, or apothecaries, had to perform their duties while being equipped in protective clothing and masks to reduce the spread of infection.
Plague doctors were usually contracted by towns or cities to assess and treat victims of infectious diseases such as the plague, smallpox, malaria and yellow fever.
Many of the first plague doctors earned a commission from their patient’s visitation fees and possible other agreed upon payment options. During the 16th century, medical personnel had no knowledge of germ theory thus the standard “uniform” became an enclosed suit made from waxed fabric and leather, a wide brim hat and mask with glass eye openings.
The mask was stuffed with fragrant herbs, spices, flowers and straw to combat contaminant-laden bad odors which were believed to be responsible for spread of diseases.
How Did Plague Doctors Help in History?
Plague doctors faced a daunting mission, as they helped to diagnose and treat the afflicted during outbreaks of bubonic and pneumonic plagues.
They also provided help in prevention of the spread of the illnesses, by giving advice on sanitation and health practices, such as hand-washing or preventing contact with those who were infected.
In addition, plague doctors often served as unofficial representatives of government safety regulations and restrictions, helping to ensure that citizens followed quarantine guidelines during epidemics.
Plague doctors were employed by cities and governments because of their knowledge of diseases and their ability to treat those who had come down with the plague. Their protective suits, often made of waxed leather or oilcloth, often contained herbs, spices, and other inserts to ward off plague-carrying fleas.
They also carried a range of disinfectants and medicinal herbs meant to protect them from infection as well as to neutralize the illness in its victims. Plague doctors would approach individual homes in order to collect information about infected individuals, or even bring medicine prescribed by local physicians.
They took on a dangerous mission that has a singular purpose: ensuring that an outbreak was contained so future generations could avoid suffering from it.
What Specialized Knowledge and Skills do Plague Doctors Possess?
Plague doctors had to possess a great deal of medical knowledge and expertise in order to effectively diagnose and treat patients with plague-related illnesses.
They needed experience in the use of medicinal herbs, as well as an understanding of the body’s systems and anatomy.
Furthermore, they were required to take protective measures when examining infected victims, such as wearing gloves, boots made from thick leather, and a face mask stuffed with herbs designed to protect against bad smells.
Plague doctors were among the first medical professionals to recognize the connection between epidemic disease and filth.
They encouraged citizens to clean up the environment by removing stagnant water, animal carcasses, and waste products.
As a result of their efforts, cities were able to limit the spread of infections by implementing better sanitation practices. Furthermore, these doctors were instrumental in disseminating knowledge on topics such as plague treatments, quarantine regulations, and preventive measures.
This knowledge circulated throughout Europe during the seventeenth century and continues to shape our understanding of infectious diseases today.
Who Was the Most Famous Plague Doctor of all Time?
The most famous plague doctor of all time is likely Dr. Josef Heckel-Lanz, more commonly known as Dr. Valdazar. He was one of the most prominent physicians in 16th-century Europe and became the personal physician of Emperor Maximilian II.
During his travels, he subjected himself to intense research on contagious diseases such as the plague, leading him to become a highly praised figure in his field. His fame even extended to American pop culture – he was portrayed by actor Norbert Leo Butz in a 2009 episode of the television series “House”.
Dr. Valdazar believed that treating the physical symptoms of the plague was only part of the solution – he argued that a combination of mercy, charity and pious faith was needed to restore individuals back to health. He focused on providing fresh air, proper hygiene and nutrition as a necessary component of better health.
Dr. Valdazar also developed unique “plague costumes” with long beaks filled with fragrant herbs and spices in order to protect physicians while they treated individuals suffering from plague-related illnesses.
His treatments were considered controversial at the time but ultimately proved to be effective in preventing death from bubonic plague.
Kinda makes living in 2023 not seem so bad after all, huh?
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