About the Caduceus
Those who have attended any College Convocation since 1954 have doubtless noticed the small silver rod our President carries on formal occasions as an insignia of that high office. Between ceremonials, it is displayed at the headquarters of the College, where it may be viewed by visitors.
The Caduceus is a silver rod or scepter, 26 inches in length and 17 ounces in weight, bearing at its head the Arms of the Royal College of Physicians of London, supported by four serpents placed at the corners. In April 1954, the Royal College of Physicians of London, through its then President, the late Lord Brain, graciously presented to our College this beautiful silver mace. Its great sentimental meaning for us lies in the fact that the Caduceus presented to us is an exact replica of the Caduceus carried by the President of the Royal College of Physicians as an insignia since the founding of the Royal College in 1518.
The following is taken from the handsome scroll that accompanied the Caduceus: "Dr. Caius, the designer, included the Caduceus in his 'Insignia Virtutis,' and said: 'The silver rod indicates that the President should rule with gentleness and clemency, unlike those of olden time, who ruled with a rod of iron. The serpents, the symbols of prudence, teaching the necessity of ruling prudently, while the Arms of the College, placed on the summit, indicate that gentleness and prudence are the means by which the College is sustained.' It is carried by the President as an ensign of honour, by which he is distinguished from the other Fellows, on all important occasions, such as the holding of the Comitia and the delivery of lectures."
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