Libido mechanica: Image and Object before Sexual Psychopathology.

This article explores the historical shift in focus from sexual desire itself to the object of desire. It discusses how ancient sexual discourse valued the impulse of desire, while modern discourse emphasizes the sexual object. The article also examines the problematization of perverse images and objects in the early 19th century, as well as the medicalization of homosexuality. It delves into the categorization of unusual love objects and the compilation of anecdotes and lists of sexual oddities. The text emphasizes the importance of context and the evolving understanding of these desires throughout history, while also discussing the concept of statue lust and its historical development. [Extracted from the article]