HIPPOCRATES. 17 



and to pupils who have been bound to me by contract, 

 and who have been sworn according to the law of 

 medicine. 



" I will adopt that system of regimen which, accord- 

 ing to my ability and judgment, I consider for the 

 benefit of my patients, and will protect them from every- 

 thing noxious and injurious. I will give no deadly 

 medicine to any one, even if asked, nor will I give any 

 such counsel, and similarly I will not give to a woman 

 the means of procuring an abortion. With purity and 

 with holiness I will pass my life and practise my art. . . . 

 Into whatever houses I enter I will go into them for the 

 benefit of the sick, keeping myself aloof from every 

 voluntary act of injustice and corruption and lust. 

 Whatever in the course of my professional practice, or 

 outside of it, I see or hear which ought not to be 

 spread abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all 

 such should be kept secret. If I continue to observe 

 this oath and to keep it inviolate, may it be mine to 

 enjoy life and the practice of the Art respected among 

 all men for ever. But should I violate this oath and 

 forswear myself, may the reverse be my lot." 



