Thomas Schlich
Historian of medicine with a medical training background who researches the history of surgery and co-authored The Mask: A History of Breathing Bad Air.
Best podcasts with Thomas Schlich
Ranked by the Snipd community
Jan 13, 2026 • 60min
Bruno J. Strasser and Thomas Schlich, "The Mask: A History of Breathing Bad Air" (Yale UP, 2025)
Thomas Schlich, a historian of medicine with a background in medical training, joins the discussion on his co-authored work, diving into the history of masks and their cultural significance. He and Bruno J. Strasser explore fascinating stories about masks from various historical contexts, revealing how societal beliefs shape mask-wearing. They debunk myths about plague-doctor masks, investigate the genderization of masks, and trace the evolution of surgical and gas masks through pivotal moments like World War I, all while reflecting on lessons for today's world.
Jan 13, 2026 • 60min
Bruno J. Strasser and Thomas Schlich, "The Mask: A History of Breathing Bad Air" (Yale UP, 2025)
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.
