El delfino, o del beso

In the vast philosophical tradition, much has been said about love in its moral and metaphysical dimensions, but carnal desire has rarely been addressed, and even less so one of its most frequent and eloquent gestures: the kiss. In this unique Renaissance dialogue, Francesco Patrizi, a fervent defender of Platonism, vindicates the place of sensual love as a necessary prelude to heavenly love. With a delightful blend of philosophy, medicine, and humor, the Italian author and philosopher proposes a meticulous classification of kisses according to their form, intensity, and the place where they are given or received. Thus, he argues that they are a bridge between the soul and the body, and that they cure and prevent the disease of love, which in the Middle Ages was called hereos.