Times' Caduceus

When a Gracious Sovereign sees fit to reward an Englishman for his deeds or generosity he may knight him. The College of Arms (or Herald's College) looks through its worm-eaten records, trumps up a coat of arms for the new Lord. Its members* may even try to picture on his shield some connection with his name or works. If his name is Rokeby, his arms may bear the device of three rooks. If he has been an intrepid seafarer, his heraldry may suggest it with a ship.

Fortnight ago, for the first time in the history of British heraldry, a newspaper company, having served King and Country well, was granted a coat of arms. Hereafter the august London Times may bear the crest authorized by the Crown in its masthead, on "seals, shields, or otherwise according to the laws of arms."

The College of Heralds had done well by the Times in their selection of the device. On an argent field were drawn horizontal black lines, suggesting a printed page. Superimposed was a caduceus (staff of Hermes) to represent the newsbearing function. Happily chosen was the motto: Tempns fuit est et erit (Time was, is, and will be). Shrewd readers will recognize that the motto is also a reference to the daily headpiece of the editorial column in which appear the words: "Times Past," "The Times," "Future."

*Incorporated by Richard III, their titles are: Earl Marshal, Deputy Earl Marshal, Garter Principal King of Arms, Clarenceux King of Arms South of Trent, Norroy King of Arms of North of Trent, the heralds Richmond, Windsor, Lancaster, York, Somerset and Chester, the pursuivants Rouge Croix, Bluemantle, Portcullis and Rouge Dragon.

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