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!
