Medieval Doctor Information gathered from

Considered an early form of a hazmat suit, a plague doctor’s clothing consisted of: A wide-brimmed hat worn close to the head. This may have also been used as partial shielding from infection.

Primitive gas mask in the shape of a bird’s beak. Common belief that bird- like mask, could draw the plague away form the patient & on the garment the doctor wore. Included red eyepieces, which were to protect from evil. Beak filled with herbs & spices to overpower the bad smell/air. It dulled smell of corpses and ruptured bouboules.

Long black overcoat was worn and tucked behind the beak to minimize skin exposure. Coat went down to the feet and covered in suet or wax. Suet was thought to draw away the plague from the flesh of the infected victim. Was repelled plague and protected doctor from blood.

Wooden cane used to direct family to move patient & examine patients without touching them. Leather breeches/ overalls worn to protect the legs from infection. Plague first appeared in armpits and neck to doctors covered these areas. Because plague doctor’s visited so many patients they are thought to have spread the disease as well.