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The Hippocratic Oath has been the professional foundation for medical pactice for perhaps 3,000 years. It therefore provides a good basis for those concerned with the 'health of the landscape' rather than that of patients. The following adaptation was made by Tom Turner in 2004 (after finding his father's copy of the Hippocratic Oath). There is in fact a link between the classical Greek sites and landscape architecture. Temples were built in landscapes which owed their sacredness to site characteristics. In Oscar Wilde's words they 'healed the body by healing the soul'.

Hippocratic Oath (landscape architect's version)

I swear by Apollo the physician, and Aesculapius, 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 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 clients and the landscape, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous. With purity and with holiness I will pass my life and practice my Art. Into whatever places I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of the landscape, and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption. 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!

Hippocratic Oath (medical version)

I swear by Apollo the physician, and Aesculapius, 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 laboring 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!

Notes

Apollo

In Greek mythology, Apollo and his twin sister, Artemis, were the children of Zeus and Leto. They were born on the island of Delos. Hence, Apollo was often called the Delian god, and Delos remained a center of his worship. Apollo was also identified with Delphi, where he killed the serpent Python and founded the famous centre for prophecy - the shrine of the Delphic Oracle.

Aesculapius

Aesculapius may have been a real man who lived about 1200 BC, but later was regarded as a god and worshiped in temples of healing.

Laboring Under The Stone

Suffering from kidney stones.