ABSTRACT
The most valid arguments seem to be those which maintain that the Oath dates from the Hippocratic period. Such is Littre's opinion, who says: "If one is satisfied with a great probability, one cannot refuse to admit that it was drawn up, if not by Hippocrates himself, at least for the period and the uses which were really the period and the uses of Hippocrates." Moreover, in the other works of Hippocrates are to be found many counsels and phrases similar to those in the Oath, and some of the best Hippocratic writings are entirely composed of them, such, for example, as the work entitled The Law. The doctrine contained in the Hippocratic Collection was intended to be made public, and the Periodeutae, who went from town to town in the practice of their profession, largely contributed to this publicity. According to some, the Oath was written before Hippocrates, while for others it dates from the time of Alexander.
