From Wikisource
Written 400 B.C.E
Translated by Francis Adams
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!
