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.
