The Bowl of Hygeia (also Hygea, Hygia, Hygieia) derives from Greek mythology and is the most widely recognized international symbol of pharmacy. Hygeia was the daughter and assistant of Asclepius (also Aesculapius and Asklepios), the God of Medicine and Healing. Her classical symbol was a bowl containing a medicinal potion with the serpent of Wisdom (or guardianship) drinking from it. This is similar to the serpent of Wisdom that appears on the caduceus (the magic staff of Mercury) and on the staff of Asclepius (the symbol of medicine). The relationship between the Caduceus and the Staff of Asclepius is controversial and complex, as the caduceus has in many instances been used erroneously as the symbol of medicine (see LINK  below).

Aesculapius was the son of Apollo, a god with many roles, including those related to prophecy, music, light and medicine, and who, in turn, was the son of Zeus, the supreme ruler of Mount Olympus and of the Pantheon of gods who resided there.

The Bowl of Hygeia has been associated directly with the pharmacy profession since 1796. Over the years, the bowl has come to represent a medicinal potion, while the serpent is associated with healing. This idea of "healing through medicine" is the reason the pharmacy profession has adopted the Bowl of Hygeia symbol.

This Gold Medal was awarded in 1958 by the Alumni Association of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science to Benjamin Weiss for Attaining the Highest Scholastic Average of the 122 College Graduates receiving a B.Sc. in Pharmacy. It is housed in its original green, felt-lined case of issue.

The Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science (now University of the Sciences in Philadelphia), founded in 1821, was first college of pharmacy in North America.