Hippocrates
460-377 B.C.E. - Wrote in Greek
The Oath
Written 400 B.C.E
Translated by Francis Adams
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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