The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

MEDIEVAL DOCTORS DEVELOPED A SPECIAL OUTFIT DESIGNED TO
PROTECT THEM FROM DIRECT CONTACT WITH SICK PEOPLE
DURING A PLAGUE. THE PHYSICIAN WAS COVERED FROM HEAD TO
FOOT WITH A BLACK GOWN, AND HE WORE LONG GLOVES TO PROTECT
HIS HANDS AND ARMS. A HOOD WAS DROPPED OVER HIS FACE.
PROTRUDING FROM THE HOOD WAS A LONG BEAK LOADED WITH
PROTECTIVE SPICES AND PERFUMES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FERNDALE

Date learned: 10-01-1988