Why did Plague Doctors wear masks with beaks?
Frequently Asked Question about the extinct profession: Plague Doctor
Plague doctors wore beaked masks during the bubonic plague to protect themselves from miasma, or "bad air," which they believed caused disease. The beak was filled with aromatic substances like herbs and spices, intended to purify the air. This design also provided a barrier against direct contact with infected patients, reflecting the limited medical understanding of the time.