Abstract

LOZANO SANCHEZ, Francisco S. A contribution to the origin of masks. Rev Med Cine [online]. 2021, vol.17, n.2, pp.155-159.  Epub May 17, 2021. ISSN 1885-5210.  https://dx.doi.org/10.14201/rmc2020172155159.

The masks, of proven efficacy from the 19th century (antisepsis-asepsis), have been updated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 1897, the surgeon Jan Mikulicz (1850-1905) was the creator of surgical masks, by demonstrating the theory of infection by drops of saliva (Flügge). However, there are «pre-scientific» precedents that we know mainly through engravings (17th century) and paintings (18th century).

We present a work by the Baroque painter Michel Serre (1658-1773), where people are seen wearing masks during the great plague of Marseille in 1720.

Keywords : masks; asepsis; infection.

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