Hippocratic Oath I SWEAR by Apollo the
physician,
and Æsculapius, 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
reach them this art, if they shall wish to hear 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! |