The Caduceus Medical Symbol
The caduceus or "Kerykeion", today's symbol of medicine, used to be known as the magic rod of Hermes, the Greek messenger of the gods. He wore winged sandals and hat, and bore a golden caduceus. His caduceus was a rod entwined by two snakes, decorated with wings at the top.

According to Greek mythology, Hermes came across two fighting snakes. Throwing his magic wand at them, they became entwined, and stopped fighting. This is the explanation for the appearance of two entwined snakes on the caduceus.

Snakes are referred to, and even revered, in many cultures, religions, and myths. In some modern African tribes, as was the case in some ancient Indian tribes, snakes are worshipped in ritualistic ceremonies. Why is the snake so revered? The snake sheds its skin, and, according to tribal beliefs, this shedding enables the snake to renew its youthfulness and strength. Thus they believe that the snake lives forever.

Before modern medicine, people infected by parasitic worms were treated by physicians using a stick and knife. A slit would be cut in the patient's skin in front of the worm, and as the parasite crawled out of the incision, the worm would be wound around a stick until totally removed. The medical treatment of parasitic worm infection by knife and stick is believed to be the inspiration for the original caduceus, which was depicted as a stick entwined by worms. It was used as a promotional sign for physicians of that period.