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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!
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