ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION People have always searched for ways to improve wound healing, particularly to decrease pain and speed the time needed for complete healing. In ancient mythology, Aesculapius, the Greek god of healing, Ningishzida, a Babylonian god of healing, and Hermes, the Roman Mercury, were symbolized with a staff entwined with one or two snakes. The significance of the snake was its ability to repeatedly shed and regenerate its skin, a capability envied by physicians of the day.
