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The caduceus is an ancient symbol representing healthcare. In ancient Egyptian times, a common medical problem was that of parasitic worms, if you will, that would imbed themselves just under the skin of their victim. In order to remove the worm, a healer would cut a small opening in the skin and wind the parasite around a simple stick of wood. The parasite was completely removed by turning the stick. As advertisement of their services, these healers created a universal sign which had a stick with a worm wrapped around it. Well, to make a long story short, this ancient symbol evolved into what is common today, two serpents wrapped around a steel rod adorned with wings. I don't know if this is the true story of the caduceus. I was told this by a college professor while in pre-med. However, I never knew of Dr. Ricks to tell a lie. |
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