in antiquity, Mercury's rod, or sceptre, being a wand entwisted by two serpents, borne by that deity, as the ensign of his quality and office, given him, according to the fable, by Apollo, for his seven-stringed harp.

Wonderful properties are ascribed to this rod by the poets, as laying men asleep, raising the dead, &c. It is used also as a symbol of peace. The caduceus, as found on some medals, is a common symbol, signifying good conduct, peace, and prosperity.