Puzzle Description:

The caduceus - widely used in the Western world (mistakenly) as a symbol for medicine

#1: Petra Lassen (Stjarna) on Apr 4, 2009

I tried to make a puzzle like this a couple of weeks ago, but I never liked the result so I deleted it. Your is much better, wtg!

That turned out well. Thank you.

Why "mistakenly?"

The caduceus is sometimes used as a symbol for medicine or doctors (instead of the rod of Asclepius) even though the symbol has no connection with Hippocrates and any association with healing arts is something of a stretch.

Right on, Jota. The rod of Asclepius is a single snake wrapped around a staff, not two snakes.

Actually, speaking of "stretch," has anyone ever read about Moses, in the book of Numbers, Chapter 21, verses 4-9? When the Israelites had strayed yet again, God sent snakes among the people, and many got bit, and died, until God told Moses to make a pole with a snake on it, and anyone bitten, still living, that looked at it was made better. I think that's where the reference came from.

Joseph, that makes perfect sense now. Moses "healed" the people with that staff, and doctors "heal" people, hence utilizing that symbol for medicine. Gotcha.

nice image. I can imagine it'd be difficult to create. good job.

I enjoyed the puzzle, Sam. Good title too.

I don't think the symbol has much to do with christianity... it was originally made way before that, in Roman times.

You do know Moses lived thousands of year before the Romans right?????

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