THE HIPPOCRATICS 



brothers, and to teach them this Art, if they 

 shall wish to learn it, without fee or stipula- 

 tion; 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 bene- 

 fit of my patients, and abstain from whatever 

 is deleterious and mischievous. I will give no 

 deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor sug- 

 gest 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 practi- 

 tioners 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 con- 

 nection with it, I see or hear, in the life of 



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