Policraticus or Polycraticus is a work by John of Salisbury, written around 1159. Sometimes called the first complete medieval work of political theory, it belongs, at least in part, to the genre of advice literature addressed to rulers known as "mirrors for princes", but also breaks from that genre by offering advice to courtiers and bureaucrats.
The title ''Policraticus'', like those of other works by John of Salisbury, is an ancient Greek neologism, sometimes rendered as "The Statesman's Book". Its original subtitle was: > On the Frivolities of Courtiers and the Footprints of Philosophers
Policraticus, a twelth century book by John of Salisbury takes up a wide variety of ethical questions. It is most famous for attempting to define the responsibilities of kings and their relationship to their subjects - wikipedia 
The work consists of eight books, falling roughly into three 'blocks': the private 'frivolities' of the courtiers (books I-III), the public offices of different classes, with a focus on the prince and the body politic (books IV-VI), and the 'footprints' of the philosophers (books VII and VIII).
- Book I: Hunting, theatre, and magic - Book II: Omens, dreams, and occult sciences - Book III: Self-interest and flattery - Book IV: The duties of the 'prince' (''princeps'') - Book V and VI: The body politic - Book VII: Three Epicurean tendencies - Book VIII: Another two Epicurean tendencies; Tyranny
Most scholarly attention of the work has focused on the 'political' content of the second block and the discussion of tyranny in the final book - wikipedia
- **Head**: Represents the ruler or monarch who directs and governs. - **Heart**: Symbolizes the senate or advisory council, providing wisdom and guidance. - **Hands**: Reflect the officials and officers who execute the will of the state. - **Feet**: Represent the common people who support and carry the weight of the body politic.
This metaphor illustrates the interdependence of all members of society and the necessity for each part to perform its function properly to ensure the well-being of the whole.