Rod of Asclepius
It has been suggested that the Rod of Asclepius (the symbol which represents medical practice since ancient times) once represented a worm wrapped around a rod; parasitic worms such as the guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis) were common in ancient times, and were extracted from beneath the skin by winding them slowly around a stick. According to this theory, physicians might have advertised this common service by posting a sign depicting a worm on a rod. However plausible, no concrete evidence in support of this theory has been adduced.
Read more about this topic: Dracunculus (animal)
Famous quotes containing the words rod of and/or rod:
“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.”
—Bible: Hebrew Proverbs 22:15.
“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”
—Bible: Hebrew Proverbs 29:15.