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I
swear
by Apollo the physician, by Aesculapius, and Health, and All-heal,
and all the gods and goddesses, that according to my ability
and my 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 wish to learn it, without fee or stipulation; and that by
precept, lecture, and every 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 other according to the
law of medicine, but to none others.
 I
will follow that system or 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 labouring 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's; and, further
from the seduction of females and males, of freemen and
slaves.
Whatever,
in connection with my professional service, 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 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.
--
(Fifth Century B.C.)
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