The Origin and Growth of the Healing Art: A Popular History of Medicine in All Ages and CountriesBerdoe, Edward
History
The Origin and Growth of the Healing Art: A Popular History of Medicine in All Ages and Countries
Berdoe, Edward
Medicine -- History
“I swear by Apollo, the physician, and Æsculapius, and Health, and
Panacea,[378] 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 patient, 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 practise 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.[379]
“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 or 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!”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account