The Oath
By Hippocrates
Written 400 B.C.E
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!
THE END
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