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The original was posted on /r/todayilearned by /u/yooolka on 2025-04-03 08:05:01+00:00.

Original Title: TIL that the iconic birdlike mask of plague doctors in the 17th century was designed to hold herbs and perfumes, which kept away bad smells, such as the smell of decaying bodies. Doctors believed the herbs would counter the “evil” smells of the plague and prevent them from becoming infected.