Hippocrates was and early and very influential Greek physician of about the
Fifth Century BCE. His writings not only had a great impact on the content of
Greek medical thought, but also on the ethics of medical practice.
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!