@Jarkes  
Believe it or not, yes. Plague Doctors were paid for by the town itself, meaning they treated anyone for free. Back in those days they’d have been mobbed by everyone seeking medical help, so they were made to look as intimidating and “death-like” as possible in an attempt to keep people away.
 
That, and yes the beak was filled with a number of plants and straw which they believed prevented “miasmatic air” from entering them, which they believed is what caused disease back then.
 
Interestingly a couple of the plants actually DID have antiseptic properties (Myrrh, for one), which helped prevent them from contracting disease.

@Jarkes  
Well if you’ve been to Italy or have seen SCP - 049 from the SCP Foundation.. Yeah.. they’re pretty damn creepy to look at, especially during the night.

@Jarkes
 
I don’t think that was their first intention. If it helps, the “beak” is filled with flowers and other nice smelling things.

>blue flue
 
Didn’t realize chimneys could contract a disease.

…Okay, I have a question: were plague doctor masks SUPPOSED to look so horrifying?