ANATOMY OF A PLAGUE MASK 🎭 Ever wonder what 17th-century doctors were breathing in while walking through plague-ridden streets? It wasn't fresh air. Because medical science blamed the Black Death on "bad air" (miasma), the iconic bird-like beak was designed specifically to act as a wearable air filter. Here is the breakdown of what was stuffed inside: 🌿 Aromatic Herbs: Lavender, mint, rosemary, and thyme. 🪵 Pungent Spices: Frankincense, myrrh, cloves, and camphor. 🧪 The Toxins: A vinegar or laudanum (opium)-soaked sponge sitting at the tip. 🌾 The Filler: Plain old straw to hold all the expensive spices in place. The Twist? The aromatics did absolutely nothing to filter out the plague bacteria. But the terrifying leather outfit did save lives—acting as an accidental physical barrier against infected bodily fluids and flea bites.