User:Llugafet/sandbox

Article Evaluation: Plague Doctor

Plague doctors were meant to treat all patients in a given area regardless of the patient's economic status. They were paid by government funds. Commonly, these doctors would attempt to make additional money by charging patients in privacy for false treatment. Unfortunately, plague doctors did not have professional medical experience or training. Plague doctors made the demographic information attainable for a town in regards to the amount of individuals effected by the plague. (This leaves me with a negative notion regarding plague doctors)

To protect themselves from the plague, these physicians wore beak-like masks designed by Charles de Lorme.

History

It is thought that the plague originated in the mid 6th century. This first version of the plague is referred to as the Plague of Justinian. The effects of the plague and the Black Death epidemic of the 14th century created a large economic impact throughout Europe. Due to this economic uproar, Plague Doctors were allowed to gain the medical experience of performing autopsies. This was allowed in due to the area's desire to find a cure for this tragic disease.

Plague doctors also got special treatment in other aspects of life. Most notably, these doctors were payed four times as much as a typical physician. (seems to contradict statement above about plague doctors not getting paid much)

Costume

Not only did plague doctors commonly wear masks, but they additionally used spices within these masks to inhibit the spread of the plague to themselves. In addition to this special beaked mask, most wore a suit with waxed fabric and carried a cane with them for patient examination.

Public Servants

Plague doctors served the community and recorded demographic information regarding plague effects. It is also inferred that these physicians experienced complicated ethical situations as most patients passed on.

Methods

Plague doctors focused on the humors, bloodletting, and the removal of blood using additional tactics.

Notable

Nostradamus is notable as he focused on issues such as contaminated air instead of bloodletting tactics.