Basically, this was humanity’s first attempt at the hazmat suit. The full-length coat was made of waxen leather, which was designed to be impermeable. It covered a shirt, breeches, and boots.

The doctors’ wide-brimmed hats were supposed to signal their profession (in case the rest of the costume was too subtle), and their canes were used to examine victims without touching them.
Doctors also used these canes to signal to their assistants and fend off distraught family members.

But clearly, the most notable aspect of the uniform was its beaked mask, which does have a logical explanation. Remember that this was designed before doctors started washing their hands.

Read More: http://instabuzz.xyz/the-first-medical-ppe-used-during-the-1812-pandemics/