Have you ever wondered where the term quack, meaning an unprofessional or unqualified doctor, came from? There are a couple of theories, but I like the version that says it came from the bird-like mask worn by many plague doctors. The mask with its long, hollow beak and beady eyes was designed in the seventeenth century by Charles de Lorme. The beak was filled with aromatic herbs to protect the wearer from catching the disease by breathing in foul air. Add to this a glass covering over the eyeholes, and a protective cloak, gloves and boots, and the doctor felt well armed against the pestulence. These so-called doctors were not normally highly trained physicians; they were men hired by towns in need, towns badly affected by the plague, and any form of doctor sufficed.
It is not entirely clear why, but the mask, and often the full costume, of the Medico della peste is a popular Venetian costume at carnevale.
Even if you’re not lucky enough to be in Venice for the festivities, there are plenty of shops selling these masks year round and some tourists don’t let the wrong time of year spoil their fun:
The other possible origin of the term quack is from the obsolete Dutch quacksalver (modern kwakzalver), meaning “hawker of salve” or from the Middle Dutch quacken meaning “to brag or boast”. This may be more plausible but doesn’t make for such a good story!
Travel with Intent 
True, the Venetian quack mades for a better story. But, it does me made me wonder what story there may be behind the Dutch quack. Could there be ducks involved? 🙂
The View from the Top of the Ladder
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I like the mask story better, much more interesting.
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That was very interesting. Those masks are really strange and do look like some kind of bird.
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Fun post and pics!
Happy Weekend to you,
artmusedog and carol
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This was a great post with lots of fun! Always my pleasure to be here and say hello. Enjoy a nice weekend and thank you again for the share.
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I like your choice better than the more plausible version too. 😉
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Oh! So that is how they are quacks!!!
Great read and pics.
Happy ABCW!
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I DID wonder why a bad doc was a quack. THANKS!
ROG, ABCW
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That mask would be enough to frighten the patient away. 😯 I loved looking at the masks in the Venice shops. I did buy one, but it was much prettier than your ‘quack’ picture.
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Yes, there are some petty ones too. And some expensive ones!
On Tue, Oct 28, 2014 at 10:05 PM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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I like the mask explanation the best. The photo of the guy wearing the mask make me chuckle. I would find it very hard to take photos with that mask on.
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Yes, I hadn’t thought of that
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yes quacksalver – in German we say Quacksalber – I hope none of my doctors belongs to this category!
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Ha! If they wear a funny mask be worried!
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