Hippocratic Oath
Hippocratic School (5th century BC).
language original: Greek.
Spanish version: Gonzalo Herranz.
Copyright of the Spanish version: Gonzalo Herranz.
Checked on 10 July 2002.
I swear by Apollo the physician, by Asclepius, and by Hygieia and Panacea, and by all the gods and goddesses of Olympus, taking them as my witnesses, to fulfil this oath to the best of my ability and conscience:
I will hold him who taught me this art in the same esteem as my parents, I will share my goods with him and, if he needs it, I will help him with my goods. I will regard his children as if they were my brothers and, if they wish to learn the medical art, I will teach it to them without demanding anything in return. To my children, to the children of my master, and to those who will be bound by the oath that the law of Medicine commands, and to no one else, I will teach the precepts, the lessons, and the internship.
I will apply my treatments for the benefit of the sick, according to my ability and good judgment, and I will refrain from doing them harm or injustice. To no one, even if he should ask me, will I give a poison, nor will I suggest to anyone to take it. Likewise, I will never give any woman an abortifacient pessary.
I WILL LIVE and will always practice my art in purity and holiness. I will not perform surgery on those who suffer from calculi, but will leave that operation to those who are engaged in it. Whenever I enter a house, I will do it for the good of the sick. I will abstain from any evil deed or injustice, and in particular from erotic relations with women or with men, whether free or slave.
I WILL KEEP silence about what I see or hear on my enquiry or outside it, which concerns the lives of men and which should not be divulged. I will keep secret all that would be disgraceful if it were known to people.
IF I WERE TRUE to this oath and did not violate it, may I be granted to enjoy my life and my art, and be honoured forever among men. If I should break it and swear falsely, may the contrary befall me.