Masks were not used to prevent the spread of infection until the end of the 19th century. Ancient Egyptians had beautiful funeral masks which were found in tombs. The ancient Greeks wore masks when they acted in plays. The Venetians had masked celebrations in the 16th century.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, masks were worn as a disguise in masked costume balls in Britain. They gave the wearer more freedom in their behaviour. Venice continues to have a masquerade carnival each year except for 2020.
Lister, the great surgeon, introduced antiseptic techniques into operating theatres in 1867. He did not use face masks. It was a Polish surgeon Johann Mikulic who, on the advice of a bacteriologist, introduced face masks covering the mouth and nose into surgical practice, in 1897 – just over 120 years ago.
When the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic swept the world, wearing of face masks became compulsory in this time and in certain places. The French took glamour to this pandemic, looking stylish in face masks.
In Australia during the 1919 influenza pandemic, people travelling on a train of tram were compelled to wear masks. Failure to do so resulted in a fine of £10 – 2 weeks wages! The women of Helensburgh made face masks and caps for volunteers who were nursing the sick to wear.
In our present time, face masks are invaluable in preventing the spread of Covid-19 and saving the wearer from infection. We can discard face masks when there are no Covid-19 infections in New South Wales. Places such as Taiwan have been successful in controlling the virus by the extensive use of face masks, plus hand washing and social distancing, without lock downs as we've had in Australia.
About the author
Dr Lorraine Jones came to NSW after an internship in the Royal Brisbane Hospital. She worked at the Prince Henry Hospital before going into general practice in Regents Park in Sydney. Lorraine moved to Stanwell Park in 1970. After retiring, she joined the Helensburgh Historical Society and has published a booklet on the 1919 influenza epidemic.
Photos
Images of people wearing masks in the 1919 pandemic have been circulating the world via social media and email – Dr Jones received these photos from a friend in France.
