Eryximachus

Eryximachus, son of Acumenus (/ɪˈrɪksɪˌmækəs/; Greek: Ἐρυξίμαχος Ἀκουμένου Eruxímachos Akouménou; c. 448 – late 5th century or early 4th century BCE) was an ancient Athenian physician who is best remembered for his prominent role in Plato's Symposium.

It is likely that he was indicted in the mutilation of the herms, a domestic Athenian conflict during the Peloponnesian War.

Set approximately in 433/2, Plato's Protagoras dialogue includes a depiction of his close friendship with Socrates' student Phaedrus, a friendship that continued into the dramatic time of the Phaedrus dialogue some 15 years later.

[3] While he is present silently in the Protagoras[5] and receives mention in the Phaedrus,[6] his most significant appearance in Plato's writing comes in the Symposium.

In his speech, he uses the language of his doctor's craft to describe love in bodily terms.