Originally the rod of Asclepios, the greek god of healing, was used (and is still used around the world). It is a staff with only 1 snake and without wings. Apparently some U.S. military guys confused it with the Caduceus, the symbol for the God Hermes (whose constituents were merchants, liars and thieves). I guess one snake just did not do it for them :).

So basically the widespread symbol for medicine used in the USA is actually a symbol for trade and deceit! Go figure! ;)

by eborujion on 08/06/2009 07:53:39 PM EST

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