Tony Ellsworth (12
Feb 2023)
"Doctor’s oath to
Apollo?"
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 deleteriousand
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!