@FutureCEO - Please take note: the symbol of the WHO - a worthy institution and to me one of the many signs that mankind is slowly, very slowly coming to its senses as to the possibility of brotherhood (and sisterhood) of and for the multitudes and what we can achieve if we begin to genuinely care for one another - is the sign of Aesculapius wound around the Cadeceus.
The double snake wrapped around the Cadeceus, was the symbol for the Roman God 'Hermes' - the single snake looking to the right is nowadays the symbol of the medical profession including apothecaries (chemists) etc. - I grew up in Europe, where there is still a bit of 'snake lore' in folk tales - apparently some snakes know the location of healing plants. One particular and harmless snake actually bears the name 'Aesculapius snake' A possible reason why snakes could have been chosen symbolising healing could be the fact that they renew themselves by shedding their skins, which was also the reason for having them in a cult representing healing in the ancient world - also 'dangerous' animals are supposed to have super-natural powers and who was in control of them was automatically regarded as having these powers by some form of transmutation . Humans have ascribed supernatural qualities to the animals - and particularly to dangerous animals - they found in their environment from the moment we have learnt to think. Taurisk
