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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!
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