| I SWEAR by Apollo the physician,
and Aesculapius, and Health, and All-heal, and all the gods and goddesses,
that, according to my ability and judgment, I will keep this Oath and this
stipulation- to reckon him who taught me this Art equally dear to me as
my parents, to share my substance with him, and relieve his necessities
if required; to look upon his offspring in the same footing as my own brothers,
and to teach them this art, if they shall wish to learn it, without fee
or stipulation; and that by precept, lecture, and every other mode of instruction,
I will impart a knowledge of the Art to my own sons, and those of my teachers,
and to disciples bound by a stipulation and oath according to the law of
medicine, but to none others. I will follow that system of regimen which,
according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my
patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous. I will
give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel;
and in like manner I will not give to a woman a pessary to produce abortion.
With purity and with holiness I will pass my life and practice my Art.
I will not cut persons laboring under the stone, but will leave this to
be done by men who are practitioners of this work. Into whatever houses
I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of the sick, and will abstain
from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption; and, further from
the seduction of females or males, of freemen and slaves. Whatever, in
connection with my professional practice or not, in connection with it,
I see or hear, in the life of men, which ought not to be spoken of abroad,
I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret. While
I continue to keep this Oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy
life and the practice of the art, respected by all men, in all times! But
should I trespass and violate this Oath, may the reverse be my lot! |
Return to List of Authors and Books
