University Health Network - Academy of Medicine Collection
Category
Communication
Commemorative
Ceremonial
Commemorative and Communication Artifacts
Classification
Communication
Commemorative
Ceremonial
Commemorative and Communication Artifacts
Accession Number
1997.2.17
Description
Round metal plaque with a large bas-relief double winged caduceus with an impressed cross design surrounding it; reverse has mount for hanging on the wall.
Round metal plaque with a large bas-relief double winged caduceus with an impressed cross design surrounding it; reverse has mount for hanging on the wall.
Number Of Parts
1
Provenance
Acquired from the Academy of Medicine; source: Dr. H.B. Rundle (1911-1997) via Mr. Howard Rundle.
Dates
1950
1970
circa 1950-1970
Material
metal: yellow
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-C4-13
Dimension Notes
Depth 2.0 cm x Diam. 22.6 cm
Copy Type
Original
Reference Comments
Wikipedia
Research Facts
Caduceus is a winged staff with two snakes wrapped around it. It was an ancient astrological symbol of commerce and is associated with the Greek god Hermes, the messenger for the gods, conductor of the dead and protector of merchants and thieves.
The caduceus is a short staff entwined by two serpents, sometimes surmounted by wings. Caduceus. As a symbolic object, it represents Hermes (or the Roman Mercury), and by extension trades, occupations, or undertakings associated with the god. In later Antiquity, the caduceus provided the basis for the astrological symbol representing the planet Mercury. Thus, through its use in astrology, alchemy,...
The caduceus is often incorrectly used as a symbol of healthcare organizations and medical practice, particularly in the United States of America, due to confusion with the traditional medical symbol, the Rod of Asclepius, which has only one snake and is never depicted with wings - the logo of the World Health Organization uses the Rod of Asclepius as its basis.