42opus

is an online magazine of the literary arts.

24 November 2005 | Vol. 5, No. 3

The Oath of Hippocrates

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 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.

About the author:

c.460-c.370 B.C. Hippocrates is the Greek physician famous for the "Oath." He was born between 470 and 460 B.C. on the island of Cos. He is said to have learned medicine from his predecessor Herodicus and in travel. He is also said to have contributed to the medicinal efforts combating the plague that swept through Athens at the start of the Peloponnesian war. Although some works attributed to Hippocrates were likely written by others, his genuine contributions are among earliest extant Greek medical writings. He died in Larissa between 380 and 360 B.C.

Learn more of what is known about Hippocrates at Wikipedia.

Source:

http://42opus.com/v5n3/theoath

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