Some people believe that aphrodisiacs made out of the body parts of rare animals have amazing powers. Do some research on poaching. How has the belief in these aphrodisiacs led to the endangerment of particular animal and plant species in certain areas of the world?

Review the recent news (in the past year or two) and find any references to the use of illegal or potentially dangerous stimulants in reported rape cases. According to the news, what are some of the modern-day "love philters"? Are they in any way similar to those of the past? In what way is their reputation today different from their "older relatives," described in Allende's book?

Research the popular drug Viagra. How does it function? What are its ingredients? Are they in any way related to the aphrodisiacs in Aphrodite? What do you think Allende would write about the "erection pill"?

Conduct an anonymous survey (as broad-based as possible) about what people consider aphrodisiac in today's society. In your questionnaire, include sections for each of the senses (e.g., "What kind of scent turns you on?") as well as about food, drink, drugs, gestures, situations, media representations, etc. Are your findings different than Allende's? Does the author report aphrodisiacs that your subjects did not mention? Have you received any answers that you did not find in Aphrodite?

The author states that her aphrodisiac recipes worked only when the diners were told what the results should be. Put her statement to the test: prepare a meal following the recipes given at the end of Aphrodite, serve it to two middle-aged couples (because, as Allende claims, "even a cup of chamomile tea turns on the young"), and make sure that only one couple knows that the meal is supposedly an aphrodisiac. You don't have to ask them to report to you the next morning, but observe their behavior at the table. Is Allende right?