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The Hippocratic Oath
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 substances 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 others.
I will follow that system of regiment which, according to my ability and judgement,
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 labouring 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 service, 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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