And the winner—by a nose

. . . is the birdlike medico delle peste mask,
modeled after those worn by doctors
dealing with plague victims.
They filled it with strong-smelling herbs
and/or camphor in the belief that
it would purify the air.  They also wore a
long overcoat, and that was actually
what kept them safe—from the fleas that
were carrying the plague. (Though,
of course, who knew at the time?)

[Linking back to Blue Monday at
Magical Mystery Teacher.]