h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

An interesting footnote to the symbology of medicine in the US vs. the rest of the world.

The staff of Caduceus features two entwined serpents, and was carried by the greek god Hermes (Mercury). The staff symbolizes a blessing to gamblers and liars. It was adopted as a medical symbol first by the Army Medical Corps in the early 20th century.

The staff of Ascieius (one serpent) is recognized by medical communities in the rest of the civilized world as a symbol related to medicine, with no negative symbolic meaning, other than its coincidental resemblance to the American symbol for currency.

For a more in-depth discussion of these symbols, see:

http://sasuweh.com/sasuwehs-art/medical-staff-plaque-limited-edition/caduceus-vs-asclepius/