Surgical memoirs and other essays / by James G. Mumford.

  • James Gregory Mumford
Date:
1908
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Surgical memoirs and other essays / by James G. Mumford. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    vaguely the humoral theory and the Hippocratic oath.” ^ It is needless here to discuss at large his teachings. The ^^oath” indicates the dignity and honorable aims of the profession for him. Moreover, he v^as the first clearly to show that the study of disease must be through observation and deduction. With such tools ^ This famous fragment of old days is still vibrant as many an ancient liturgy: ‘T swear by Apollo the physician, and vEsculapius, and Health, and Panacea, and all the gods and goddesses, that, according to my ability and judgment, 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 on the same footing as my own brothers, and to teach them this Art, if they shall wish to learn it, without fee or stipu- lation; and that by precept, lecture, and every other mode of instruc- tion, 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 accord- ing to the law of medicine, but to none others. I will follow that sys- tem of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, 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 patients labor- ing under the stone, but v/ill 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 volun- tary act of mischief and corruption; and further, from the seduction of females or males, of freemen and slaves. Whatever 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!”
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