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Insignia |
The
Insignia of the Faculty of Medicine in Giessen
The insignia, originating from 1607 with the Latin inscription
"Insignia Facultatis Medicae" is singular amongst the emblems
of the various university faculties. It bears as coat of
arms the asclepiad snake in the form of a winged dragon
with a bird's head and reptilian tail, which exemplifies
vigilance and conscientiousness, qualities that belong to
a good physician. |
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The content of the insignia is especially interesting: The
branch of the pomegranat in the beak of the bird is reminiscent
of the biblical fall from grace, by which disease gained
access to the world. The hourglass in the claw of the bird
warns of the limited lifespan of man. It summons: "Nosce
Te Ipsum" and "Memento Mori et Aegrotandi".
The motto "NHF E!" tells us to "be critical": A good
physician is characterised by sobriety and intelligence.
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This emblem demands of the members of the Faculty of Medicine
of Giessen an indefatigable activity and alterness in
the prevention and treatment of disease, an ever reasonable
mind and critical intellect as well as a realisation of
one's own fallibility.
The insignia thus unites the ancient papan asclepiad snake
and delphian self-criticism with the biblical Christian
pomegranate and concept of original sin.
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The insignia demands adherence to the Hippocratic oath.
Basic to the call for indefatigable activity and alterness
is the first aphorism:
Life is short
Art is everlasting
The appropriate moment is fleeting
Experience is deceptive
Judgement is difficult. |
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Herewith, summons is made for lifelong continual education
in medicine.
Thereby,
the principle of the Hippocratic Oath can be maintained:
"Primum Nil Nocere".
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written
by: Jost Benedum, Institute
for Medical History, JLU Gießen
translated by: Robert
Snipes, Faculty Member Responsible For International
Student Exchange (SOCRATES & TEMPUS) |
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Faculty
of Medicine, Rudolf-Buchheim-Str. 6, D-35392 Giessen
University Medical Centre, Rudolf-Buchheim-Str. 8, D-35392
Giessen
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