The Golden Wand of Medicine: A History of the Caduceus Symbol in Medicine

by Walter J. Friedlander

The Caduceus, two entwined snakes set upon a rod, was the ancient symbol of Hermes, the Greek god of merchants. Today, it is a common and popular symbol of the medical and allied professions. This book traces the use of the caduceus symbol and answers the question of how it came to be the symbol of medicine.

The work begins with a discussion of the symbol's origin as the magic wand of Hermes/Mercury, the Greco-Roman messenger of the gods,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0313280231
• ISBN13: 9780313280238
• Release Date: April 1992
• Publisher: Praeger
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.2" x 9.6"