The Evolution of Modern Medicine: A Series of Lectures Delivered at Yale University on the Silliman Foundation in April, 1913Osler, William, Sir
History
The Evolution of Modern Medicine: A Series of Lectures Delivered at Yale University on the Silliman Foundation in April, 1913
Osler, William, Sir
Medicine -- History
accuracy with which it represents the Greek spirit. For twenty-five
centuries it has been the "credo" of the profession, and in many
universities it is still the formula with which men are admitted to the
doctorate.
(21) Oxford. Clarendon Press, 2d ed., 1911.
(22) Gomperz: Greek Thinkers, Vol. I, p. 281.
I swear by Apollo the physician and AEsculapius and Health (Hygieia) and
All-Heal (Panacea) 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 my 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 judgement, I
consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is
deleterious and mischievous.
I will give no deadly medicine to anyone 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 whatsoever 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 abduction 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!
(Adams, II, 779, cf. Littre, IV, 628.)
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