When the Bubonic Plague rekindled in 16th and 17th century Europe, some thought the illness was spread by diabolic agents who captured its essence in an ointment and then smeared the greasy substance on walls, people, and all kinds of things. Some of those accused of being plague-spreaders were burned at the stake.

What’s interesting is that many modern beliefs and responses to plague co-existed with these extremes, as in What a 16th-century plague survival guide has in common with COVID-19 advice.

No matter the era, uncertainty and fear will always plague us.

Categories: Pam-Toons

Tags: bubonic, cartoon, essence, Europe, fear, foto, ointment, pencil, photo, plague, sketch, sorcery, stake, uncertainty, unguent