Medicine: By Apollo, By Panacea

"I swear by Apollo the physician and by Aesculapius, Hygeia, and Panacea, and I take to witness all the gods, all the goddesses . . ." Beginning with these words, budding doctors for centuries have solemnly taken the ponderous Hippocratic oath-upon graduation. Modern physicians still pledge themselves to "keep [this oath] according to my ability and my judgment."

The World Medical Association has now decided that Greek gods & goddesses are out of place in the 20th Century's air-conditioned, aseptic temples of healing. In Manhattan next month, the W.M.A. (a federation of 39 national medical associations) will take final action on replacing...

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