What the Caduceus means
The caduceus, a staff with two snakes coiled around it, is the official insignia of the United States Medical Corps, Navy Pharmacy Division, and the Public Health Service.
The Caduceus
The caduceus was a staff carried by the Greek deity Hermes, and his Roman counterpart Mercury, who were both the gods of messengers and travels.
The object is a winged staff, entwined by two serpents. In more modern times it would become a symbol of medicine.
Hermes with Caduceus
By extension of its association with Mercury and Hermes, the caduceus is also a recognized symbol of commerce and negotiation, two realms in which balanced exchange and reciprocity are recognized as ideals. This association is ancient, and consistent from the Classical period to modern times.
The caduceus is also used as a symbol representing printing, again by extension of the attributes of Mercury (in this case associated with writing and eloquence).
FUN FACT: Pythagoras of Samos claimed to be the reincarnated son of Hermes.
The caduceus is also used as a symbol representing printing, again by extension of the attributes of Mercury (in this case associated with writing and eloquence).
FUN FACT: Pythagoras of Samos claimed to be the reincarnated son of Hermes.
