Page:Greek Biology and Medicine.djvu/57

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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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