The rationale behind this was strongly influenced by the predominant miasma theory of disease, which held that diseases were spread through noxious 'bad airs'. This could feasibly be filtered through the dense thicket of a beard. Coupled with the fierce cold of the British winters of the period, it is no surprise doctors of the time proposed beards as a form of preventative medicine. Of course, now we understand germ theory, we can see the holes in that logic - quite literally.

Can't imagine that thing itching all day long. Plus, it’s just hair man, no way it’s stopping tiny germs. Right? Someone pls tell me we got smarter since then.

So if I grow a beard, I can ditch my mask and live forever? Sweet, brb throwing out my razors and going to live amongst the Amish where I'll become immortal.

The whole beard as a health device might seem crazy now, but Victorians took this stuff seriously. They believed in miasma theory - bad air causing diseases and that the beard acted as a filter. Plus, the fashion of the time meant you’d look smart and sophisticated. Essentially, your beard made you look like you had your life sorted out, both in style and health. Today’s hipster culture's got nothing on them!

ok but imagine the bacteria breeding ground on your face tho... modern science screams no thanks 🤢

Hah, great excuse to stop shaving! What’s next? They gonna say my beard is a source of Vitamin D cuz it absorbs sunlight? 😆

Yep, Victorian era had some wild health advice, lol. Beards were the ‘in’ thing, symbol of wisdom and all that, plus the health aspect. Imagine believing your facial hair could stop the plague. They even thought it would prevent sore throats. Gotta wonder how much soup got trapped in those 'filters' though 😂