Plague doctor
A plague doctor was a medical professional who specialized in treating victims of the bubonic plague during epidemics. These physicians were employed by city authorities to care for infected patients, regardless of their income or social status[1]. Plague doctors played a crucial role in providing care during some of the most devastating epidemics in history, such as the Black Death in the 14th century and the Great Plague of London in the 17th century.
Empirics and Medical Training
In countries like France and the Netherlands, plague doctors were sometimes referred to as empirics due to their lack of formal medical training[2]. They often gained their knowledge and skills through experience and observation, rather than through the study of medicine at a university. Despite their limited education, these doctors were still responsible for treating plague patients and attempting to halt the spread of the disease.
Municipal Plague Doctors and General Practitioners
Plague doctors were known as municipal or community plague doctors, which distinguished them from general practitioners who operated independently. Both types of doctors could be found in the same European city or town at the same time, providing medical care to the population. General practitioners typically treated a wider range of ailments and catered to wealthier clientele, while plague doctors were specifically focused on caring for those affected by the bubonic plague.
Protective Clothing
Plague doctors are often associated with their distinctive protective clothing, including a beaked mask, a long gown, gloves, and a wide-brimmed hat[3]. The beak of the mask was filled with aromatic herbs and spices, which were believed to protect the doctor from the "miasma" or bad air that was thought to transmit the disease. This attire served as an early form of personal protective equipment, helping to shield the doctors from contact with infected patients and contaminated environments.
References
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