Have you ever wondered where the term quack, meaning an unprofessional or unqualified doctor, came from? There are a couple of theories, but I like the version that says it came from the bird-like mask worn by many plague doctors. The mask with its long, hollow beak and beady eyes was designed in the seventeenth century by Charles de Lorme. The beak was filled with aromatic herbs to protect the wearer from catching the disease by breathing in foul air. Add to this a glass covering over the eyeholes, and a protective cloak, gloves and boots, and the doctor felt well armed against the pestulence. These so-called doctors were not normally highly trained physicians; they were men hired by towns in need, towns badly affected by the plague, and any form of doctor sufficed.
It is not entirely clear why, but the mask, and often the full costume, of the Medico della peste is a popular Venetian costume at carnevale.
Even if you’re not lucky enough to be in Venice for the festivities, there are plenty of shops selling these masks year round and some tourists don’t let the wrong time of year spoil their fun:
The other possible origin of the term quack is from the obsolete Dutch quacksalver (modern kwakzalver), meaning “hawker of salve” or from the Middle Dutch quacken meaning “to brag or boast”. This may be more plausible but doesn’t make for such a good story!
Linked to Tagged Q.
