Caduceus
Caduceus
The Caduceus (pronunciation: /kəˈdjuːʃəs/ or /kəˈdjuːsiːəs/) is a symbol that has been widely used in the medical field.
Etymology
The term Caduceus is derived from the Greek word kērukeion, which translates to "herald's staff". The symbol is often associated with Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, and it was originally used to represent trade, negotiation, and commerce.
Description
The Caduceus is depicted as a short staff entwined by two serpents, often surmounted by wings. In Greek mythology, it was the attribute of Hermes, who served as the messenger of the gods. Despite its original association with commerce, the Caduceus has been adopted as a symbol in various medical contexts, often mistakenly interchanged with the Rod of Asclepius, which has a single snake and no wings.
Usage in Medicine
The use of the Caduceus as a symbol of medicine has been a subject of debate among medical professionals and historians. While it is widely recognized and used, particularly in the United States, it is often considered a historical inaccuracy, as the Rod of Asclepius, associated with the Greek god of healing and medicine, is the more appropriate symbol.
Despite this, the Caduceus continues to be used in a variety of medical contexts, including on the uniforms of U.S. Army medical officers and the logo of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Caduceus
- Wikipedia's article - Caduceus
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