Arms of Michael David Dan
Blazon
Per pale Argent and Vert, a snake environing a mortar and pestle counterchanged;
Symbolism
The snake is associated with the ancient Hebrew tribe of Dan, Jacob having said to his son Dan is that he “shall be a serpent by the way, and adder in the path” (Genesis 49:17). The snake also evokes the rod of Aesculapius as a reference to Dr. Dan’s career as a medical doctor in the field of neurosurgery. The mortar and pestle is a symbol of pharmacology, and thus refers to Dr. Dan’s father’s profession and to Dr. Dan’s work as an executive in the family pharmaceutical business.
Crest of Michael David Dan
Blazon
A chambered nautilus proper;
Symbolism
The nautilus alludes to Dr. Dan’s interest in Fibonacci numbers, as its shell contains a Fibonacci spiral.
Motto of Michael David Dan
Blazon
IBI FLORUIMUS;
Symbolism
This Latin phrase is a variation of the motto of the University of Manitoba, Floreat (“May it flourish”), marking the fact that Dr. Dan’s ancestors settled on the Red River directly across from the university’s present location