from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Hippocratic oath \Hippocratic oath\,
An oath said to have been dictated by Hippocrates to his
disciples. Such an oath is still administered to candidates
for graduation in medicine.
[PJC]
Note: An English translation of the oath reads:
I swear by Apollo the physician, by Aesculapius, and
Health, and All-heal, and all the gods and goddesses,
that according to my ability and my judgement, 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 wish to learn it, without fee or
stipulation; and that by precept, lecture, and every
mode of instruction, I will impart a knowledge of the
Art to my own sons, and 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 or regimen 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.