Metal medical caduceus key ring

Medical caduceus Copyright: MedicalRF.com The caduceus (☤; / k ə ˈ dj uː s iː ə s / or / k ə ˈ dj uː ʃ ə s / ; from Greek κηρύκειον kērukeion "herald's staff" ) is the staff carried by Hermes in Greek mythology . The same staff was also borne by heralds in general, for example by Iris , the messenger of Hera . It is a short staff entwined by two serpents , sometimes surmounted by wings. In Roman iconography it was often depicted being carried in the left hand of Mercury , the messenger of the gods, guide of the dead and protector of merchants, shepherds, gamblers, liars, and thieves. 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 and alchemy , it has come to denote the elemental metal of the same name. By extension of its association with Mercury/Hermes, the caduceus is also a recognised symbol of commerce and negotiation, two realms in which balanced exchange and reciprocity are recognised 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). The caduceus is sometimes mistakenly used as a symbol of medicine and/or medical practice , especially in North America , because of widespread confusion with the traditional medical symbol, the rod of Asclepius , which has only a single snake and no wings. This page is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, anyone associated with the topic.