Snake and staff as symbols in medicine:
We often see the following symbols in various hospitals, ambulances or places where medical services are provided. But from a distance, many people mistake these symbols for stethoscopes used by doctors. Interestingly, it is not the stethoscope but the reptile that many fear most. Today we will know how snakes and sticks came as symbols in medicine!
If you look carefully, you will see that snakes are used in the symbols of all the pictures except one above. We will briefly discuss all the symbols and their meaning, history one by one.
Caduceus:
The caduceus is a symbol of the Greek god Hermes.
Let’s talk a little about it. According to Greek mythology, Hermes was one of the sons of the god Zeus. Hermes himself was a god. The symbol of Hermes was a flying club-like object, coiled by two snakes. Just like the first image above. It refers to the relationship between trade, eloquence, negotiation, medieval alchemy, alchemy, and knowledge. Hermes was indeed a messenger. who carried messages between gods and men.
From the beginning, the two snake-headed staffs of Hermes were not used as symbols of medicine. Because the god Hermes was never associated with medicine in any way. The symbol was first used as a medical symbol in America in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. And this symbol is popular because of the American Medical Corps.
In the late 19th century, the American Medical Corps required the use of a logo. Whoever was in charge then mistakenly considered the Caduceus to be associated with medicine and used it as a logo. Because he got confused between Stick Of Asclepius and Caduceus. Stick Of Asclepius is mentioned at the end of the article.
Later the caduceus (Caduceus) became more popular as a symbol of healing because of its attractive appearance. This symbol started to be used due to a small mistake and became established due to popularity.
Optometry:
This symbol means everything related to eye care. For example, eye examination, prescribing lenses as needed, etc. This symbol is basically a caduceus symbol. But the difference is that it has a pair of eyes on the top to indicate what it is related to.
Veterinary or animal treatment:
It symbolizes the treatment of animals. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) adopted the symbol in 1971, replacing the previous symbol. This symbol uses the Stick Of Asclepius with a capital “V” in front to represent veterinary medicine.
Dentistry:
It is used as a symbol of dentistry. This symbol has another symbol above the Caduceus as shown in the image below.
The symbol has Stick Of Asclepius in the middle and 16 on each side for a total of 32 leaves. Which indicates our number of teeth. There are 20 small jam-like fruits between the leaves on both sides, which represent the number of milk teeth. It is clearly understood in the above picture.
And the triangular symbol on the outside is basically delta (Δ). Delta stands for “D” in Greek which stands for “Dentistry”. And in Greek Ο (omicron) means “odont” which means tooth.
Chiropractic or internal structure therapy:
It refers to the treatment of our various joints and especially the spine. Especially when there is a problem in our spine or any joint due to various internal organs or muscles or neurological reasons.
Symbol of Life:
It is also known as Star of Life.
We see this symbol in many places. For example, hospital related uniforms, ambulances, medical websites etc. This sign can even be seen in front of many elevators. Having this symbol in front of the lift means that a 24 inch x 84 inch stretcher can also be inserted in the lift.
This symbol was designed by America’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In America, this symbol is used to identify any ambulance, paramedic, or emergency medical personnel. Besides, it means emergency medical services internationally.
The 6 arms of the Symbol of Life represent the 6 tasks of rescuers:
Detection:
This means that the rescuer will first observe an incident, try to understand the problem, try to identify the level of danger and take steps to ensure the safety of the victim.
Reporting or statement:
A professional person will be contacted and dispatched quickly to ensure emergency medical care.
Response:
In this case, the affected person will first come in contact with the person who will provide the necessary services including first aid.
On scene care or immediate service:
Upon arrival, emergency medical personnel will provide immediate necessary care to the best of their ability.
Care in transit service:
Emergency medical personnel will send the injured person to the hospital. An ambulance or helicopter or any special system will ensure the safety of the affected patient. and provide necessary services to the patient during said transportation.
Transfer to definitive care:
Necessary special services will be provided in the hospital.
Stick Of Asclepius:
IntStickuction to Asclepius:
It is known as “Stick Of Asclepius”. It is the symbol of Asclepius, another god of Greek mythology. Asclepius was the son of the god Apollo. Apollo was the son of the god Zeus. Another identity of Asclepius is that, according to Greek mythology, Asclepius is the world’s first dismembered baby. Which is now known as caesarean section. Asclepius’s mother’s name was Coronis. Cornis fell in love with another man while Asclepius was in her womb. When the god Apollo heard this, he became enraged and killed Cornis by throwing him into the fire. As Cornice’s body was burning in the fire, Apollo thought of their child in Cornice’s womb. He had no fault. So he quickly cut open the stomach of Cornis with the help of Hermes and brought out Asclepius.
Asclepius is said to be the god of healing. He learned to heal people from his father Apollo. Once he became very skilled in various surgeries and various medicines. According to Greek mythology, he is also called the founder of medical science. The ancient Greek city where he was born (Epidaurus) has a sacred place dedicated to him.
It is believed that he could also bring the dead back to life. According to Greek mythology, Zeus was once troubled by this power. He thought Asclepius would immortalize mankind with this power. So he killed Asclepius with a thunderbolt.
Stick of Asclepius:
Asclepius always had a stick with him. And there was a coiled snake in it. At that time, snakebite was considered the worst disease. There is no way to survive if bitten by a snake. So everyone thought that all diseases could be cured with the stick of Asclepius.
After Asclepius died, his devotees built many temples in his memory. And medical services were provided in those temples. There were many snakes in those temples too. Although those snakes were not poisonous.
It is said that when various patients used to come to those temples hoping to be cured, they used to sleep on the floor of the temple at night. Those non-venomous snakes also lived on that floor. Patients would dream of Asclepius at night. They watched Asclepius tell them how to be cured. When they wake up they tell it to the people in charge of the temple. Then they used to treat the patient according to the dream.
This rod of Asclepius is now used as the symbol of many other medical societies, including the American Medical Association. But many confuse the symbol of Asclepius with the caduceus. The emblem of Asclepius had a snake and the caduceus had two snakes.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs):
- Snake and staff as symbols in medicine.
- Caduceus.
- Optometry.
- Veterinary or animal treatment.
- Dentistry.
- Chiropractic or internal structure therapy.
- Symbol of Life.
- Stick Of Asclepius.
