![]() However, despite their costumes, the doctors were not immune to the plague and many of them fell ill or were ultimately quarantined. The black overcoat and leather breeches were to minimize skin exposure, while the wooden cane was a way for the doctors to examine patients and move bodies without direct contact. The leather hat was a symbol for 14th Century doctors and many believed the hat could shield doctors from bacteria. The Plague Doctors also believed that this protected them from the “bad air” of the plague. The “beak” of the mask was filled with drugs and strong smelling items to cover the scent of death. Their outfit was originally created by Charles de l’Orme in the 17th century and consisted of a leather hat, a beak-like mask with red glass eyes, a black overcoat, leather breeches, and to top it all off, a wooden cane. As they were to be the closest to the diseased they had to prevent themselves from being infected as well. Their easily identifiable costume was also a reflection of their role in society. This is why an infamous treatment of the Plague Doctor was Bloodletting.īesides treating the infected, Plague Doctors also recorded the number of deaths and took part in autopsies. Doctors during this time believed that the human body needed a balance between blood, mucus, yellow bile, and black bile in order for the person to be considered healthy. Regardless, Plague Doctors had an array of treatments they used to offer medical care based on the Medieval medical practicie of the four bodily fluids. But the word “treat” can be used loosely here since it’s debatable whether the majority of Plague Doctors were helping keep the plague at bay or were increasing the rate at which it spread. Plague Doctors were hired by towns and villages (not by individuals) to treat those affected by the Black Death. When the Black Death swept across Europe like a curse with seemingly no rational explanation, the people turned to the only ones willing to “treat” the disease – Plague Doctors. Now, keep in mind that the Black Death struck during Medieval Times where medical knowledge was limited and the people, highly superstitious. The Black Death was a bubonic plague that arrived in Europe by sea in 1347 and over the next five years killed more than 20 million people in Europe alone. The iconic image and role of the Plague Doctors came about due to the Black Death. ![]() Although, I have a feeling many of you are already familiar with its history. Today we will dive into the history that inspired our Cleric Rank 7 Class and Class Master, the Plague Doctor.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |