plague doctor: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Photos

plague doctor preventive costume

Engraving of a plague doctor in a long cloak, wide-brimmed hat, and beaked mask, holding a wand, with text and small background figures. Artwork by Paul Furst after J. Colombina.

See All Images →

Topics

plague Middle Ages doctor 10 Influential Physicians and Medical Researchers medical examiner surgeon general of the United States