CADUCEUM,
an Heralds Staffe. The Wand which Mercury according to the Fable received of Apollo, in exchange of the Seven-stringed Harp, which he gave him, was so called.
The Poets speak of many Vertues, which this Wand of Mercury had, as to lay Men asleep, and to raise the Dead. The Word comes from the Latin Cadere, which signifies to fall, because this Wand had a force in it to appease all Differences, and make Mens Arms to fall out of their Hands, as Mercu∣ry proved by Two Serpents which were fighting, for he threw it down between them, and they were Friends, and from that time Mercury always carried it as an Ensign of Peace.
This Wand according to the Aegyptian Mythology was streight, adorned with Two Serpents twining round it, and as it were joined together about the middle of their Bodies which seek to kiss one another, ma∣king an Arch of the highest part of their Bo∣dies.
The Ambassadours of Rome sent to make Peace carried a Wand of Gold in their Hand, and were upon that account called Caduceatores, as those who were sent to de∣clare War, were called FECIA∣LES.
The Ancients have attributed many won∣derful Effects to the Cadinoeans, alluding to the Rod or Staff of Moses, with which he did such Miracles in Aegypt, before Pharoah, and the Magicians of that Coun∣try.