Learning Objective

• An explanation of different signs and symbols used in pharmaceutical and medical field

The following are some of the major pharmaceutical and medical symbols:

1. The Recipe: It has been suggested that the recipe sign (Figure 1.1) is the astronomical sign of the planet Jupiter, the Greek god of healing. The sign appears at the start of prescriptions. The sign is universally accepted as abbreviation of the Latin word recipe, which means “take thou.” Figure 1.1 Recipe
2. The Mortar and Pestle: It is the basic tool of pharmacy used in preparation of several formulations (Figure 1.2). It has long been used as a pharmaceutical symbol in Britain. Figure 1.2 Mortar and Pestle
3. The Green Cross: The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain declared the Green Cross (Figure 1.3) as a symbol for British pharmacy and was used after 1984. Figure 1.3 Green Cross
4. The Serpent of Epidaurus on the Staff of Asclepius: Asclepius was one of the Greek gods of medicine, usually depicted carrying a staff with a snake coiled around it. The snake symbolizes wisdom, immortality and healing. The serpent of Epidaurus on the staff of Asclepius is shown in Figure 1.4. Figure 1.4 Epidaurus on the Staff of Asclepius
5. The Bowl of Hygeia with the Serpent of Epidaurus: The bowl with a snake coiled around it is called the bowl of Hygeia with the serpent of Epidaurus (Figure 1.5). Hygeia was the daughter of Asclepius, the god of medicine. While Asclepius was directly associated with healing, Hygeia was associated with the prevention of sickness and continuation of good health. She was considered as the divinity of health, cleanliness and sanitation. Figure 1.5 Bowl of Hygeia with the Serpent of Epidaurus
6. The Caduceus: It is the symbol of two snakes on a staff containing wings (Figure 1.6). Since the nineteenth century, it has been adopted as a symbol of medicine in the West. The wings on the staff is that of Hermes, Greek god of commerce. Figure 1.6 Caduceus
7. The Serpent around a Palm Tree: This symbol was introduced in the nineteenth century and was used by French and Portuguese pharmaceutical bodies. The palm tree represents the kingdom of vegetables, the snake represents the animal kingdom and the rocks at the base of the palm tree represent the mineral kingdom. The serpent around a palm tree is shown in Figure 1.7. Figure 1.7 Serpent Around a Palm Tree
8. The Carboy: The term carboy (Figure 1.8) was originated from the Persian word qarabah, meaning “large flagon.” It is a glass vessel with a globular base tapering to a narrow neck, filled with differently colored liquids. It was showcased in pharmacy shop windows. Figure 1.8 Carboy