The Hippocratic Oath

I swear by Apollo Physician and Asclepios and Hygeia and Panacea and all the gods and goddesses, making them my witnesses, that I will fulfill according to my ability and judgment this oath and this covenant:

To hold him who has taught me this art as equal to my parents and to live my life in partnership with him, and if he is in need of money to give him a share of mine ...

I will apply dietetic measures for the benefit of the sick according to my ability and judgment; I will keep them from harm and injustice.

I will neither give a deadly drug to anyone who asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect. Similarly I will not give to woman an abortive remedy. In purity and holiness I will guard my life and my art ...

Whatever houses I may visit, I will come for the benefit of the sick, remaining free of all intentional injustice, of all mischief 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 shameful to be spoken about.

If I fulfill this oath and do not violate it, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and art, being honoured and fame among all men for all time to come; if I transgress it and swear falsely, may the opposite of all this be my lot.

Hippocrates



Asclepios, Greek Physician and son of Apollo: he had five daughters, of whom, Hygeia (hygiene) - goddess of disease prevention, cleanliness and sanitation and Panacea - Goddess of cures (panace - heal all herbs) are two of them.



The Caduceus (magic wand of the Greek God, Hermes)