Copy of a fumigating torch carried for protection against bubonic plague, 1601-1700

Made:
1601-1700 in Europe
Metal and wood fumigating torch (copy) Metal and wood fumigating torch (copy) Metal and wood fumigating torch (copy) Copy of a fumigating torch carried for protection against bubonic plague, 1601-1700 Copy of a fumigating torch carried for protection against bubonic plague, 1601-1700 Copy of a fumigating torch carried for protection against bubonic plague, 1601-1700 Copy of a fumigating torch carried for protection against bubonic plague, 1601-1700 Copy of a fumigating torch carried for protection against bubonic plague, 1601-1700 Metal and wood fumigating torch (copy)
Metal and wood fumigating torch (copy) Metal and wood fumigating torch (copy) Metal and wood fumigating torch (copy) Copy of a fumigating torch carried for protection against bubonic plague, 1601-1700 Copy of a fumigating torch carried for protection against bubonic plague, 1601-1700 Copy of a fumigating torch carried for protection against bubonic plague, 1601-1700 Copy of a fumigating torch carried for protection against bubonic plague, 1601-1700 Copy of a fumigating torch carried for protection against bubonic plague, 1601-1700 Metal and wood fumigating torch (copy)

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Metal and wood fumigating torch (copy)
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Metal and wood fumigating torch (copy)
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Metal and wood fumigating torch (copy)
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Metal and wood fumigating torch (copy)
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Metal and wood fumigating torch (copy), carried around for protection against bubonic plague, 17th century

In the 1600s, fumigating torches were believed to protect the carrier from bubonic plague. Sweet smelling herbs burnt in the top of torch were believed to provide protection against disease. At the time, it was thought that disease was spread through foul smelling things – the buboes caused by the disease and the breath of the dying both smelt disgusting. Plague seemed to be passed quickly from person to person but it was only in the 1890s that plague was discovered to be spread by the fleas carried on rats.

Details

Category:
Classical & Medieval Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A115561
Materials:
brass, bamboo, solder, copper (metal) and complete
Measurements:
overall: 630 mm 85 mm, .39 kg
lid: 54 mm 58 mm,
type:
fumigator

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