The caduceus is a winged staff with two snakes wrapped around it. It was an ancient symbol that was carved into temples dedicated to the Greek god Hermes. Hermes was known as the messenger for the gods, a powerful healer, conductor of the dead and protector of merchants and thieves. Interestingly enough, the caduceus was also a powerful symbol in the practice of alchemy, and apothecary, which helped to further it (along with its associations with healing Hermes) as a symbol for the medical business.
