The Hippocratic Oath is a pledge conventionally taken by physicians appertaining to the ethical exercise of medicine. The Classical version of the Oath states:
I swear by Apollo Physician and Aesculapius and Hygeia and Panacea and all the gods and goddesses, making them my witnesses, that I will fulfil according to my skill and judgment this oath and this oath:-
• To hold him who has taught me this art as equivalent to my parents and to live my life in company with him, and if he is in need of money to give him a share of mine, and to look upon his progeny as equal to my brothers in male ancestry and to teach them this art - if they desire to learn it - without fee and covenant; to give a share of principle and oral tutoring and all the other learning to my sons and to the sons of him who has educated me and to pupils who have signed the covenant and have taken an oath according to the medical law, but no one else.
• I will apply measures for the benefit of the sick according to my ability and judgment; I will keep them from hurt and prejudice.
• I will neither give a lethal drug to anybody who asked for it, nor will I make a proposal to this consequence. I will not give to a lady an abortive remedy. In wholesomeness and holiness I will guard my life and my art.
• I will not use the knife, not even on sufferers from stone, but will remove in favour of such men as are occupied in this work.
• Whatever houses I may visit, I will come for the benefit of the sick, remaining free of all deliberate inequality, of all trouble and in particular of sexual relations with both female and male persons, be they free or slaves.
• What I may see or hear in the course of the treatment or even outside of the treatment in regard to the life of men, which on no account one must spread abroad, I will keep to myself, holding such things disgraceful to be vocal about.
• If I accomplish this oath and do not breach it, may it be granted to me to take pleasure in life and art, being privileged with reputation among all men for all time to come; if I contravene it and pledge untruly, may the reverse of all this be my lot.
