Plague doctors operated during the epidemic most often in cities with large numbers of victims. As city officials, they looked after everyone, rich and poor. It was then that the characteristic protective clothing worn by doctors became the symbol of the plague. Charles de Lorme, a doctor of the kings of France, is considered to be its creator, or in fact only the official promoter. He noted that birds do not get plague, so the image of the bird can provide effective protection against the plague. The plague doctor's clothing consisted of a protective cloak made of waxed cloth, a mask with a beak and two glass-shielded viewing slots, gloves and a walking stick. Thus, he avoided direct contact with an infected person. The beak of the mask was filled with fragrances such as juniper, lemon balm, mint, camphor, cloves, myrrh, rose or styrax. People believed that they protect against the plague.