Now This is a Cup of Coffee!
November 9th, 2008The Oath of Hippocrates
November 2nd, 2008I SWEAR by Apollo the physician and Æsculapius, and Health, and All-heal, 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 in the same footing as my own brothers, and to teach them this Art, if they shall wish to learn it, without fee or stipulation; 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 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 practice, 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.
The Oath of Hippocrates. Hippocrates. 1909-14. The Oath and Law of Hippocrates. The Harvard Classics
It is commonly believed that this oath starts out with “First Do No Harm.” But as you can see, that phrase neither starts the Hippocratic Oath, nor appears anywhere in it. Reading through this, I suspect many would think it quite archaic, but I wonder what we have lost by first, considering medicine a science rather than an art and secondly, not holding our physicians to this oath.
I went into nursing because I wished to worship at the altar of medicine, considering it to be just a step down from the most blessed and gracious of professions. At that time, Florence Nightingale lived quite strongly through me, I suspect.
Now I no longer hold this profession in such high regard. I no longer wish to mingle in the halls of healing because I see Hippocratic has turned hypocritical. Perhaps this oath, sworn by thousands of graduating physicians, should be shelved and a new one written to accurately portray the philosophy of those we entrust with our lives.
I Should Have Such Time
March 8th, 2008
A Great Monster Movie
January 12th, 2008Did you know that I am back to blogging professionally? I love it. I have to admit when I am not writing, I’m not as happy. Anyway, I hope you check out this blog, which is one of a few I am doing. It is called “Today in Science Fiction,” and it is brand new.
Don’t Look At This, Mom
January 10th, 2008When I was a kid, I was allowed to listen to “KJR” in Seattle (rock station) but I really wasn’t supposed to listen to “KOL” (other rock station in Seattle). KOL was … well it was the one that played the war protests and drug songs along with the daily fare of other top 40 music.
I confess. I loved KOL. I didn’t do drugs, never did in fact. I wasn’t radical in any way. But I must have had this side to me that I just didn’t acknowledge. So in acknowledgement of the 60’s and a lifestyle I just skated around the edges of, I present…
By the way, I am betting dollars to donuts, my mom does know. 
And why is it Grace Slick is now a grandmother and I am no older at all!
The Winking Skull
January 7th, 2008I’ve always enjoyed anatomy and physiology. I think they are interesting and they can be fun. When I was in nursing school, I always enjoyed the A&P classes (and enjoyed the easy “A” that came along with them). I found a great Web site that is suitable for people who like to learn for no reason other than the sake of learning and is equally suitable for students. It is even challenging enough, if you wish to make it so, for medical and nursing school students.
Take a look at The Winking Skull. It is really cleverly done and it is great way to spend some time. Think of it as brain exercising. Besides that, you will understand “Grey’s Anatomy” better!
