Scrittore epicureo anonimo, Opera incerta (PHerc. 1390/908). Edizione, introduzione e commentario, tavole

Usually referred to as ‘On generation’ or ‘On procreation’, this unique text without a title or an author's name, transmitted in PHerc. 1390/908, stands by itself because of its subject matter and because in the Herculaneum collection, as is well known, no medical or paramedical works have survived. Along with the final section of Book 4 of Lucretius’ On Nature, it is the only Epicurean treatment of this topic of a certain length. Here, we offer its first comprehensive critical edition, with an introduction and a commentary. This text, traditionally attributed to Epicurus, is now tentatively ascribed by us, with various arguments, to the Epicurean philosopher and writer Demetrius of Laconia (2nd century BC).