New Books in Science, Technology, and Society Bruno J. Strasser and Thomas Schlich, "The Mask: A History of Breathing Bad Air" (Yale UP, 2025)
Jan 13, 2026
Bruno J. Strasser, a historian of science at the University of Geneva, and Thomas Schlich, a historian of medicine, delve into the rich history of masks in their new book. They debunk myths about the beaked plague doctor masks, revealing them as satirical rather than practical. The duo discusses how social norms, gender, and industrialization shaped attitudes towards mask-wearing through the ages. Their insights also cover military gas masks as symbols of war and pollution, and they challenge misconceptions around masks in different cultures, particularly in Asia.
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Beaked Plague Mask Was Satire
- The iconic beaked plague-doctor mask is a 17th-century satirical image, not actual medical gear.
- Bruno J. Strasser and Thomas Schlich show it was a caricature mocking doctors, not a historical protective device.
Older Masks Neutralized Smell, Not Particles
- Pre-19th-century face coverings aimed to neutralize bad smells, not filter particles.
- People used cloths soaked in vinegar or pomanders to change air's scent and avoid 'bad air.'
Mask Resistance Tied To Gender Norms
- In the 19th century doctors recommended masks but often refused to wear them themselves.
- Strasser links this resistance to gendered views of masks as effeminate and incompatible with masculine identity.
