This short, engaging book examines what the Hippocratic Oath meant toGreek physicians 2400 years ago and reflects on its relevance to medical ethicstoday. Drawing on the writings of ancient physicians, Greek playwrights, andmodern scholars, each chapter explores one of its passages and concludes with amodern case discussion. The Oath proposes principles governing the relationshipbetween the physician and society and patients. It rules out the use of poisonand a hazardous abortive technique. It defines integrity and discretion inphysicians' speech. The ancient Greek medical works written during the sameperiod as the Oath reveal that Greek physicians understood that they had a dutyto avoid medical errors and learn from bad outcomes. These works showed how andwhy to tell patients about their diseases and dire prognoses in order to developa partnership for healing and to build the credibility of the profession. Milesuses these writings to illuminate the meaning of the Oath in its day and in sodoing shows how and why it remains a valuable guide to the ethical practice ofmedicine. This is a book for anyone who loves medicine and is concerned aboutthe ethics and history of this profession.

Steven H. Miles is Professor of Medicine and Bioethics at the University of Minnesota.