Hippocratic oath
    n 1: an oath taken by physicians to observe medical ethics
         deriving from Hippocrates

Hippocratic oath \Hippocratic oath\,
   An oath said to have been dictated by Hippocrates to his
   disciples. Such an oath is still administered to candidates
   for graduation in medicine.
   [PJC]

   Note: An English translation of the oath reads:
         I swear by Apollo the physician, by Aesculapius, and
         Health, and All-heal, and all the gods and goddesses,
         that according to my ability and my judgement, I will
         keep this Oath and this stipulation -- to reckon him
         who taught me this Art equally dear to me as my
         parents, to share my substance with him, and relieve
         his necessities if required; to look upon his offspring
         in the same footing as my own brothers, and to teach
         them this Art, if they wish to learn it, without fee or
         stipulation; and that by precept, lecture, and every
         mode of instruction, I will impart a knowledge of the
         Art to my own sons, and 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 or regimen which, according
         to my ability and judgement, I consider for the benefit
         of my patients, and abstain from whatever is
         deleterious and mischievous.
         I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor
         suggest 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 labouring under
         the stone, but will leave this to be done by men who
         are practitioners 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 service,
         or not in connection with it, I see or hear, in the
         life of men, which ought not to be spoken of abroad, I
         will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be
         kept secret.
         While I continue to keep this Oath unviolated, may it
         be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the
         Art, respected by all men, in all times. But should I
         trespass and violate this Oath, may the reverse be my
         lot.