The ever-changing Hippocratic oath
7 July 2007 AD
The attack on Glasgow Airport and failed attacks in London by suspects from the medical profession has focussed attention on the Hippocratic aath, a vow traditionally taken by physicians concerning the ethical practice of medicine. It is widely believed the oath was written by Hippocrates, the father of medicine (see picture), in the 4th century BC. Shaped by changing societal attitudes (e.g. abortion, euthanasia) the oath has changed over the years. What follows is thean excerpt from the original oath and one used by the University of Toronto.
I swear by Apollo Physician and Asclepius and Hygieia and Panaceia and all the gods and goddesses, making them my witnesses, that I will fulfil according to my ability and judgment this oath and this covenant:
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 anybody who asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect. Similarly I will not give to a woman an abortive remedy.
In purity and holiness I will guard my life and my art. I will not use the knife, not even on sufferers from stone, but will withdraw in favour of such men as are engaged in this work. 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 fulfil this oath and do not violate it, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and art, being honoured with 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.
Translation from the Greek by Ludwig Edelstein.