GREEK & ROMAN MEDICAL SYMBOLS

The serpent is one of few symbols that have remained unchanged throughout the history of medicine. Most notable are its associations with the Rod of Asclepius and the Winged Caduceus of Mercury. The serpent also appears in the Bowl of Hygieia, a common symbol of the pharmaceutical profession (Bowl of Hygieia, a symbol of pharmacy, n.d.). These symbols are widely adapted in various regions around the world and can be seen in association with various types of medical services.

The Greek Myth of Asclepius

In Greek mythology, Asclepius was the son of Apollo and Coronis, but learned the art of healing and the secrets of herbal medicines from a centaur named Chiron. Asclepius has always been depicted holding a staff or rod with a single serpent around it. Early Greek physicians carried a staff when travelling over rugged terrain. The serpent or snake coiled around the staff was associated with the renewal of youth and healing due to its ability to shed its skin. Some harmless snakes were placed in the shrines and temples of Asclepius because of their association with healing properties.

Wooden Staff of Asclepius

The Wooden Staff of Asclepius includes a single serpent entwined around it.

Symbol of medicine

Source: Nayernouri, Touraj,M.D., F.R.C.S. (2010). Asclepius, Caduceus, and Simurgh as Medical Symbols: Part I. Archives of Iranian Medicine, 13(1), 61. http://www.libproxy.wvu.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/238184862?accountid=2837

"Asclepius" by Egisto Sani is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

"Rod of Asclepius" by Mark Morgan Trinidad B is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Ningizzida

Ancient Sumerian fertility god who later became known as a god of healing. Also one of the oldest known associations of the serpent with healing and magic.

The symbol includes 2 snakes entwined around a rod accompanied by two gryphons, which are mythological creatures with a bird’s head and lion’s body; winged or wingless.

The symbol is carved on a green steatite vase made for king Gudea of Lagash of Sumer and is currently in the Louvre Museum in Paris

The Greek/Roman Myth of The Caduceus

The Caduceus of Mercury (Roman) is also known as Karykeion of Hermes (Greek). Caduceus is a magic wand represented as a short rod entwined by two snakes with a pair of wings at the top. Mercury, the God of Rome, holds a winged Caduceus
announcing his presence. The Roman legend is that Hermes, while carrying a staff, saw two warring snakes. He put his staff between them and they stopped fighting, entwining the staff, and remaining forever at peace. The result being, Winged Caduceus of Mercury, identifies medical personnel and symbolizes cessation of conflict in their presence

The snake, which periodically molts, or sheds its skin, is a symbol of healing, regeneration and renewal. In ancient Greece snakes, which move about without any visible means of support or locomotion, were considered to be the wisest and cleverest of all animals.

Asclepius' staff has only one snake entwined around it, which symbolizes healing, regeneration, and the consummate skill of the medical art. Hermes' Caduceus has two intertwined snakes, which, in addition to all the above, also represent the need for balance, or homeostasis, for optimum health maintenance and disease prevention.

To learn more about the image source, click the button on the right.

Greek Medicine: Hermes

Caduceus

“Caduceus” a Monumental Bronze Sculpture Allegory by James Muir Bronze Allegorical Sculptor-Artist.

Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/633387427001214/

To learn more about this sculpture and its artist, click on the button below.

James Muir

Collar insignia of the U. S. Army Medical Corps in 1902

Winged Caduceus of Mercury

Winged rod with entwined double serpents

Additional Information and Source: often used as a symbol of medicine instead of the Rod of Asclepius, especially in the United States; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caduceus_as_a_symbol_of_medicine#:~:text=The%20caduceus%20is%20the%20traditional,especially%20in%20the%20United%20States

Hermes Playing Card

“Mercury; standing facing left, wearing a winged helmet and sandals (boots), holding the caduceus with entwined serpents and playing a flute; the decapitated head of Argus full of eyes and a cock at his feet”

To learn more about the image's source, click on the button below.

British Museum

Hermes Statue

Image of a statue depicting Hermes running with his Caduceus.

To view the image's source, click on the button below.

eBay

Hermes with serpent entwined caduceus.

To read an article dedicated to Hermes/Mercury and his role in medicine, click the button below. The article also contains the source information for the image (right).

Aaron Cheak

The Bowl of Hygieia

Bowl of Hygieia is one of the symbols of pharmacy. Hygieia was the Greek goddess of Health hygiene, and the associate, wife, or daughter of Asclepius. Asclepius' symbol is his rod, with a snake twined around it; correspondingly, Hygieia's symbol is a cup or chalice with a snake twined around its stem and poised above it.

Source: https://www.greekartshop.com/Bowl-of-Hygieia-Greek-Goddess-of-Health-Symbol-of-Pharmacy-Cup-Chalice-Snake

To view the image source (far right), click the button below.

More information about the Bowl of Hygieia

Known as a symbol of pharmacy in most Western countries. It also identifies pharmacists and stores that sell medications.

Source: http://www.thewestologist.com/symbols/the-symbols-of-medicine

WV Pharmacists Association

"Established in 1958, the Bowl of Hygeia Award recognizes pharmacists who possess outstanding records of civic leadership in their communities and encourages pharmacists to take active roles in their communities" (West Virginia Pharmacists Association, 2022). The award was originally created by E. Claiborne Robins, Sr. and continues to be given each year.

Source: https://wvpharmacy.org/bowlofhygeia/

To learn more about the award and its qualifications, click the button below.

wvpharmacy.org