Young Pablo, Finn Bárbara C, Bruetman Julio E, Cesaro Gelos Jorge, Trimarchi Hernán
Rev Med Chil. 2013 Sep;141(9):1197-201. doi: 10.4067/S0034-98872013000900013.
Symbolism is one of the most archaic forms of human thoughts. Symbol derives from the Latin word symbolum, and the latter from the Greek symbolon or symballo, which means "I coincide, I make matches". The Medicine symbol represents a whole series of historical and ethical values. Asclepius Rod with one serpent entwined, has traditionally been the symbol of scientific medicine. In a misconception that has lasted 500 years, the Caduceus of Hermes, entwined by two serpents and with two wings, has been considered the symbol of Medicine. However, the Caduceus is the current symbol of Commerce. Asclepius Rod and the Caduceus of Hermes represent two professions, Medicine and Commerce that, in ethical practice, should not be mixed. Physicians should be aware of their real emblem, its historical origin and meaning.
象征主义是人类思想最古老的形式之一。“象征”一词源于拉丁语symbolum，而后者又源自希腊语symbolon或symballo，意思是“我一致，我匹配”。医学象征代表了一系列历史和伦理价值。缠绕着一条蛇的阿斯克勒庇俄斯之杖传统上一直是科学医学的象征。在持续了500年的误解中，缠绕着两条蛇并带有两只翅膀的赫尔墨斯双盘蛇杖被认为是医学的象征。然而，双盘蛇杖是当前商业的象征。阿斯克勒庇俄斯之杖和赫尔墨斯双盘蛇杖代表了两个职业，即医学和商业，在道德实践中，它们不应被混淆。医生应该了解他们真正的标志、其历史起源和意义。
