The Medical Caduceus – It’s History and Use in Jewelry
Caduceus charms are a popular gift for graduating physicians, nurses and veterinary students but are you aware of how this emblem came to be used by medical personnel? The Rod of Asclepius is a more suitable emblem for medicine and medical organisations, so why is the caduceus used even though, unlike the Rod, it does not have any medical meaning? Actually, quite the contrary as the symbol is linked with Hermes, god of commerce and boundaries and of the slyness of liars, and who is usually linked to misbehavior and trickery. He was also the escort of souls to the afterlife, so the use of his emblem for medicine is especially out of place.
The Rod of Asclepius
The more correct symbol is the Rod of Asclepius which is a staff intertwined by a snake. Asclepius was the god of medicine in Greek myths and he had six daughters, Hygieia, Aglea, Aceso, Laso, Meditrina, and Panacea who stand for healing, medicine and cleanliness. Panacea means literally ‘all healing’ and is a recognizable word in present day English. Asclepius was the son of Apollo and Coronis and was raised by Chiron, a centaur, when his mother was executed for disloyalty. Chiron trained Asclepius in medicine.
Around 300 BC, in Ancient Greece the cult of Asclepius was common and temples dedicated to him were called Asclepieia. Snakes were often used in the healing rituals and non-poisonous serpents freely crawled about the temples. In the beginning the Oath of Hippocrates opened with these words ‘I swear by Apollo the Physician and by Asclepius and by Hygieia and Panacea and by all the gods …”
The Caduceus
The caduceus is customarily shown as a herald’s staff with a pair of intertwined snakes and usually a pair of wings. Originally the staff was borne by Iris who was the messenger of Hera. Only in later myths was it carried by Hermes. It might be the basis for the astrological image for Mercury, who was the Roman counterpart of the Greek Hermes. It’s often used as a symbol for medicine especially in North America. Why is there confusion between the Rod of Asclepius, a fitting sign for medicine and the caduceus which is unsuitable, connected as it is with Hermes, supporter of thieves and tricksters and escort of the dead to the underworld?
History of The Use of the Caduceus by Medical Personnel
It seems that it was used incorrectly as an alternative to the Rod of Asclepius in the nineteenth century. It was first used as a medical badge around 1856 in the US on the uniforms of military hospital workers and was worn by medical officers from about 1902. The Surgeon General was aware of the error a few years after this but didn’t replace it. The Caduceus was used by the Navy Hospital Corps and the Army Medical Department following the first World War. Though the AMA used the caduceus for some time, it was replaced by the proper symbol for medicine, the Rod of Asclepius, in 1912.
How Caduceus Jewelry is Used Today
Currently caduceus jewelry is trendy, particularly among nurses. Caduceus charms for bracelets are particularly admired and can be purchased in silver, gold or crusted with diamonds. A medical caduceus is an admired gift for graduating students whether physicians, nurses or veterinary students.