During the same year that the plague doctor's outfit was first illustrated with a detailed description, another engraver by the name of Paulus Fürst created a satirical version of the outfit. There was some speculation, however, from those who believed that the outfit was far more of a show than a result of medical science. ![]() Related: You Can Visit Framlingham Castle, Where 'Bloody Mary' Was Crowned Queen Before modern medicine, it was believed that these aromatics in the front of the mask would prevent the wearer from breathing in what was referred to as 'pestilential miasma,' otherwise known as disease-laden air. While quite startling upon the first appearance, this extra room in the front of the mask served as a chamber for aromatics. The mask itself was quite tight-fitting and the 'beak' measured to roughly six inches long. Why a bird-like beak? What was the purpose of covering the doctor's entire face? According to literary accounts, the beak did actually serve a purpose. While most of the outfit makes sense with its full coverings and thick material, it's the mask that many have questioned. Along with the illustration, it was detailed how, exactly, each part was intended to protect the wearer from illness. ![]() Gerhart Altzenbach, who was a German engraver during the mid-1600s, was responsible for creating the first illustration of the plague doctor's uniform.
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