Medical proof of the miraculous : a clinical study

Introduction

ALREADY translated into several European languages, Dr. E. Le Bee's Preuves Medicals du Miracle is now presented for the perusal of those who desire the work in English.

Although all may not assent to certain of the biological and pathological statements made by the author, his work offers precise scientific evidence of some marvellous cures which have occurred at Lourdes and elsewhere, together with clinical histories of the patients concerned.

It must be remembered that if in some instances clinical details are sparse, records as keptinhospitals do not obtain in ordinary practice, from which many of these cases are culled.

The paramount importance of the Time Factor \ is well elucidated. Its brevity must be acknow- \ ledged by all those who practise medicine and I surgery as something unknown in ordinary working experience. •

The case of De Rudder, which occurred many years ago, is valuable in that it affords post mortem ^ evidence of the existence of a fracture and its cure, and for this reason it is singular in the series. In conditions of such chronicity, it will be acknowledged that surgical consultations are often few and far between ; consequently the evidence of the existence of the fracture immediately before the cure is given by witnesses who hold no surgical qualification, but to whom credence can nevertheless be given.

In certain cases which are studied the author gives adequate reasons for the absence of vi INTRODUCTION

immediate medical evidence, but in all cases scientific testimony is proximate, and the immediate evidence is given bv observant v^itnesses Yf\iO had every reason to be truthful.

Ernest E. Ware, M.D.(Lond.)

The translator desires to thank the Rev. Dom Ethelbert Arnold, of St. Augustine's Abbey, Ramsgate, and Dr. George Cox, K.S.G., of the Medical Bureau of Lourdes, for much help and assistance in the preparation of the MSS. He has also to acknowledge the great kindness of E. F. S. and M. M. S., v^hose generosity made possible a long stay at Lourdes, where a considerable part of this translation was made.

Author's Pre fa ce

SCEPTICISM with regard to supernatural cures is the normal state of mind of most medical men. Some declare that thenar e not given serious medical proof ; others that the observations are biassed, that the accounts of the symptoms of the illness are distorted, and that the natural processes of the cure in question are concealed. Neither can the criticisms of Catholic doctors be neglected. Their contention is that in some instances, v^hen the alleged course of events has been so diametrically opposed to pathological lav^s, the cases have not been studied with sufficient scientific exactitude.

It is to reply to these grave objections that this study has^ beei3-IlB-dertaken.

I have not desired to report upon and examine a large number of cases ; those dealt with are limited to typical examples, and whoever examines these with scientific care will be forced to admit the positive intervention of the supernatural. I decided that it would be more profitable to choose types of illness affecting different anatomical systems, in order to show that the repair of the organic lesion has been effected in a manner absolutely contrary to the course of events which we encounter in medical practice.

From the study of supernatural cures it will be seen that the principal sign of the intervention of a force superior"to nature consists in the rapidity of instantaneousness of the cure. We are therefore entitled to appeal to the absence of a factor normally present, namely, the time factor.

vii viii AUTHOR'S PREFACE

Time is an absolute necessity for the progress of physiological processes, and where it is lacking, when anatomical structures are evolved without ^ it, the progress of events cannot be natural.

The pathological cases that I have chosen to study are eleven in number :

A suppurating fracture of the leg,

A non-suppurative fracture of the thigh,

Pott's disease.

An ulcer of the leg.

Lupus,

Club feet,

A case of peritoneal tuberculosis with intestinal fistulae,

A case of six intestinal perforations.

Two cases of recurring cancer, one of the face, another of the tongue.

Pulmonary tuberculosis with cavitation.

The following is my method of procedure : First I describe the case, then demonstrate its authenticity, either by medical evidence when that is possible, or by absolutely trustworthy witnesses. Then each case is discussed in the usual medical form, to show the absence of the time factor, and the material impossibility of a natural cell production to produce the anatomical repair of the lesions. Perhaps some doctors will consider that I insist too much on the absence of the time factor — but that is the whole crux and characteristic of the supernatural cure. Medical science teaches us that the normal formation of

AUTHOR'S PREFACE ix

cells and tissues takes a certain amount of time, and that a tissue is never formed instantaneously.

If, then, one can prove in certain definite cases, the instantaneous formation of cells and reconstruction of tissues, it is impossible to see here a normal evolution of cellular life, and it is this precisely which constitutes the supernatural fact.

i have prefaced the clinical description of the cures by a study which I have called the Physiology of the Supernatural in Medicine. Taking as a basis the clinical facts, demonstrating a reconstruction of the tissues, I endeavour to determine the " how " of the supernatural cure. In certain cases it is possible to admit an evolution of anatomical elements already existing ; a special evolution taking place with extreme rapidity, but not demanding the production of elements not already existing, nor the suppression of existing morbid elements. But in other instances the re-constitution of the tissues cannot be explained save by means of matter (mineral salts not existing in sufficient amount in the body) formed by a supernatural force. Again, in others, the suppression of morbid elements of which there remain no trace in the body of the cured person, by supernatural^gency must be admitted. I appreciate the fact that a large number of medical men reject almost instinctively evidence given by those not versed in medical matters ; but is it right to do this because the witness is devoid of medical knowledge ? I have striven to show in certain of the cases studied that the evidence of persons totally unacquainted with

X AUTHOR'S PREFACE

medical science presents, nevertheless, all the guarantees of certitude exacted by healthy criticism.

It is necessary also to reply to the objection which attributes the cures to intermediary agents. It has been easy to prove that the v^ater of the piscina at Lourdes can do nothing, in a very large number of the cases, in the case of definite organic lesions ; neither can suggestion be invoked, because, foUow^ing the v^ise counsel of Benedict XIV, nervous maladies are systematically put on one side. Finally, the famous objection of unknov^n natural forces leads to the destruction of Nature by herself, which is an impossibility.

This work makes no pretence to introduce any medical innovations. All that I have said is to be found in the classical treatises on pathology and physiology. What is new and has not yet been put forward is the application of ordinary medical and scientific criticism to the study of these supernatural cures. An endeavour has been made to establish a scientific parallel between the progress of the supernatural and the progress of the same phenomena in the natural cure.

I have essayed to show clearly the radical difference which exists between these two processes. This difference is inexplicable without the intervention of a supernatural force.

Nowadays, manifestations of this supernatural force are seen at Lourdes with striking frequency — in the piscina, during the processions, or at the moment of the passing of the Sacred Host —

AUTHOR'S PREFACE li

producing these instantaneous cures of diverse maladies. In the cures this mysterious force sometimes uses the existing living tissues ; in other cases there appear elements not existing in the body immediately before the cure ; or, again^ the disappearance of morbid existing matter, as in the case of cancer, is completely effected. In this last instance, the phenomenon appears to be the inverse of creation.

Chapter II Physiology Of The Supernatural

Justification of the word Physiology — Theological classification of miracles — Cellular unity — Conditions furnishing proofs of the supernatural — Elimination of nervous phenomena — Special ( clinical phenomena of supernatural cures : sudden :■' pain, absence of convalescence — Pathological physiology of the supernatural cure in cases of fracture — Pott's disease — Cancer — Varicose veins — Formation of wound cicatrix — Action of the central nervous system . . pp. 8-48

Chapter III

Absence of time factor in cure of fractures — Tuberculosis — Ulcers — Cancer — Varicose veins.

CONTENTS xiii

CHAPTER IF EVIDENCE

Proof of reality of lesion — Value of non- medical witnesses — Proof of their veracity . pp. 58-62

Chapter V Action Of Intermediary Agents

Chemical and physical properties of Lourdes water — Radio- activity — Suggestion — Faith healing— Jansenist false miracle, case of Demoiselle Coirin — Absence of infection at Lourdes

Chapter VI

Value of hypothetic forces — -Worth of objection as to a renewed limb . . . pp. 82-94

Chapter VII

Mentality of opponents — Certificates refused and falsified — Reasons for opposition of scientists — False assertions of Haeckel — Clinical argument against extreme transformism — False assertions of Leduc — Opponents' mode of discussion — Demand for an experimental miracle . pp. 95-105 xiv CONTENTS

CHAPTER Fill

CONCLUSIONS

Supernatural cures necessitating the presence of matter not pre-existing in the subject — Supernatural cures not involving new matter — Supernatural cures v^ith suppression of existing morbid material ..... pp. 1 06-112

Part Two MEDICAL OBSERVATIONS

I. Varicose veins . . . p. 113

II. Suppurative fracture of the leg . p. 119

III. Non- suppurative fracture of the

IV. Vertebral tuberculosis and hip

disease . . . • p. 140 V. Ulcer . . . . • P- 146 VI. Lupus . . . . . p. 151 VII. Clubfeet . . . . p. 160 VIII. Tuberculous peritonitis, v^ith intestinal perforation . . p. 165 IX. Intestinal perforations with fistulae p. 175 X. Recurrent cancer of the cheek . p. 180 XI. Recurrent cancer of the tongue p. 186 XII. Pulmonary tuberculosis . . p. 190

List of Illustrations

I. Caries of vertebrae, Pott's

disease . . . facing p. 30

II. Legs of De Rudder during life . . between p. 122

III. Leg Bones of De Rudder and p. 123

IV. I Femur of Marguerite

V. J Verzier . . between pp. 136-7

VI. Thorax of Gabrielle

Durand . . . facing p. 144

VII. ] Lumbar region, Marie VIII. J Borel . . . „ p. 176

IX. 1 Cancer of the tongue, X. J Catharine Lapeyre . „ p. 186

MEDICAL PROOF OF THE MIRACULOUS

Chapter I Medical Men And Miracles

ALTHOUGH there is an extensive literature concerning supernatural cures, the works which deal with the subject from a purely medical standpoint are few in number. One of the most important is the paper by Professor Duret.^ The facts are presented under a clinical aspect, accompanied by physiological considerations, and imbued with the philosophical standpoint. Those who have this paper in their possession will see that I have borrowed usefully from it.

Naturally, I am also inspired by the numerous works on the great cures of Lourdes of my confrère Dr. Boissarie. I have also consulted with advantage the work of my friend Dr. de Grandmaison,* which views the cures from the clinical standpoint.

Our confrère Fr. Deschamps has devoted an

1 Duret : Les Guérisons des Lourdes, sur le passage du St, Sacrement. Report of the Eucharistie Congress, London, 1908.

* Dr. de Grandmaison de Bruno : Vingt Guérisons à Lourdes^ discutées médicalement. Paris, Beauchesne, 1912. English translation : Twenty Cures at Lourdes. London, Sands. I

:^,2:MEpmAI.F'lÎ00F OF MIRACULOUS

important volume to the cure of Pierre De Rudder, where he studies this miracle, both from the historical and scientific standpoint. ^ I mention likewise a small but careful study of Professor Lavrand of Lille.* Dr. J. Bon published in 191 2 a well-documented thesis entitled. Quelques guérisons de Lourdes,

For myself, I have desired to take a point of view differing somewhat from these writers. Passing rapidly in review the physical intermediary agents, I have searched carefully into the clinical proofs obtained outside the natural processes known to medicine.

It will, of course, be understood that the nature of my surgical studies hinders me from examining these supernatural cures from the elevated standpoint of theology. I keep to my own province, y' the study of the cures solely from the medical point of view. My intention is to study not only the supernatural cures at Lourdes, but those also that occur elsewhere, although the first offer us a field of study which is extraordinarily rich. ^/ Some of the supernatural cures which we see in { such an astonishing abundance at Lourdes take \ place in the piscina (and I shall study presently i what can be said of the intermediary action \ of the water), while others occur during the I procession, or at the moment of passing, of the { Sacred Host. In this case there is no inter-

^ Deschamps: Le Cas de Pierre De Rudder. Bruxelles, Libraire de l'Action Catholique. Paris, Lecoffre, Gabalda, 191 3.

2 Dr. liavrand : La Suggestion et les guérisons de Lourdes ; Question Scientifiques. Paris, Bloud, 1903.

MEDICAL MEN AND MIRACLES 3

mediary between the sufferer and the Holy- Eucharist. Instantaneous cures may be witnessed of pulmonary tuberculosis, Pott's disease, abdominal tubercle, ulcers, cancer, etc. These are definite lesions of an organic structure on which suggestion has no effect, i ""^

Curiosity in the Medical World,

That these supernatural cures excite constant curiosity in the medical world is evidenced by the growing numbers of medical men who visit Lourdes from all parts of the world. This curiosity is for the most part friendly. Undoubtedly it shows a transformation slowly working in the scientific world. It has ceased to be the fashion to ridicule the existence of facts of a non-material order and to cover with sarcasm those who study them. Indeed, there is now a definite reaction against the dogmatic materialism of the past generation.

We see medical men notoriously sceptical, who yet wish to study what occurs in certain unusual phenomena where they are presented with evidence of something outside and beyond matter. They ask themselves if there is not here definite proof of the action of the immaterial on the material, or, if one prefers expressing it so, of spirit on matter, or of soul on body ? Formerly the materialists were supported by the facts drawn from nervous disorders.

As the result of clinical experiments on hysteria, they concluded reasonably enough that suggestion is powerful in these cases, and they endeavoured to equate to these nervous phenomena all other cures obtained in apparent contradiction to the laws of medicine. This is evidently a mistake, but at the same time an avovi^al of belief in an intermediate agent, v^hich does not fall immediately under the evidence of the senses.

This change of attitude is the result of observations made by a large number of medical men, v^ho find evidence in their practice of cures obtained manifestly outside the forces of nature. Is this different state of mind produced by the diffusion of the knov^ledge of these cur es, v^hich are certainly more numerous at Lourdes in our times than in times past ? Or is it caused by realizing that suggestion is insufficient to explain the cure of organic lesions ? It certainly is an involuntary avowal of that general inability to explain matters which drew from Brunetiere that forcible expression *' the bankruptcy of science."

It is easy for a believer to find the answer. Be that as it may, however, no one can deny the growing number of medical men who go to Lourdes wishing to examine the facts and to judge for themselves.

Not long ago, under the influence of Charcot, all that happened at the Grotto was treated with derision — an easy way of avoiding the serious examination of facts that were rather embarrassing. Eventually this manner of proceeding was re-considered ; many deemed it wiser to endeavour to solve the problem on the spot, rather than to decide it offhand at a distance. Hence, medical men from all parts of the world are numbered

MEDICAL MEN AND MIRACLES s

among the visitors to Lourdes ; they include adherents of all creeds and believers in none. All are adnaitted at the Bureau des Constatations. The late Dr. Boissarie permitted them to examine the patients as they wished, and no one can deny that many have stated that the cures could not be explained by the employment of any natural intermediary agent*

Supernatural Cures Opposed to Physiological Latus,

I can well understand that a miracle finds implacable adversaries in the scientific world. In the preface of the work of Fr. Deschamps,* I said that the miracle, which the Church proclaims, is certainly a most disconcerting occurrence and absolutely contrary to biological laws.

When it is scientifically demonstrated, and scientific demonstration makes some cases certain, the miracle shows the powerlessness of our treatment and the restricted value of what the physiologists have codified under the name of the unchangeable law of nature.

Medical men, learned physiologists, and acute observers, have devoted long years to the study of nature ; by their work science has made wonderful progress. They observed that vital phenomena— processes of nutrition, cellular evolution, etc., proceeded always in a like manner; they concluded quite naturally that this order could not be changed, and to their conclusions they gave the name of laws.

We have the habit of respecting these laws, 1 A. Deschamps : Le Cas de Pierre De Rudder. Supra.

because we can do nothing against them. But why should we affirm that that which is impossible to the doctor, is also impossible to that Primal Cause which believers call God ?

Anatomists state that the growth of the bony skeleton ceases in man at the age of twenty-five. It is also generally admitted that animals grow for a quarter of their time* of existence. But why this time-limit ? We know nothing about it. If the Creator had adopted this limit of twenty- five years for man, why should it be impossible for Him to vary this period ? Is it because we doctors have formulated this anatomical law and are powerless to vary this limit ?

What could hinder God from proceeding in another manner ?

In pathology we are accustomed to state that for the renewal of anatomical elements there must be a certain space of time, always the same ^•-'6— in the same physiological conditions. Our therapeutic intervention does nothing else than put the tissues in the best condition so that cellular evolution may proceed without trouble, following its normal course.

But why should it be impossible that this cellular evolution should not take place in a different manner which passes our comprehension? I understand perfectly well that when it happens it must be disconcerting for medical men. Again, I find it quite reasonable that there should be an inclination to reject the miraculous, and to exact rigorous proofs to demonstrate it. When we

MEDICAL MEN AND MIRACLES 7

submit these proofs our request is siraply that they shall be examined and discussed. It isV astonishing to see cultivated intellects rejecting y the miraculous for the sole reason that it is/ contrary to admitted law.

Dr. Julian Marcuse {Berliner Tagblatt, Oct. 13, 1902) gives us an example of this. He says : " The case of Pierre De Rudder cannot be true ' because it would be an affront offered to all the laws of biology and pathology." The expression *' affront" is strong, but it is justified, for a miracle does go counter to biological laws, since it does not conform to those formulated by human science. For some scientists this fact is one to be much regretted.

CHAPTER II PHYSIOLOGY OF THE SUPERNATURAL Justification of the word Physiology

THE expression the " Physiology of the supernatural" may seem unjustifiable; it is, however, justified in the sense in which I use it, for my purpose is to examine the various modifications of the vital phenomena which occur in the cures that I have investigated.

The study of the vital phenomena of disease is called pathological physiology, consequently the use of this word is justified when I apply it to these cures, which exceed the force of nature.

What I am endeavouring to do is to study not this mysterious force in itself — that belongs to theology — but the effects of its intervention in these supernatural cures.

It seems to me that the best plan will be briefly to summarize the vital phenomena which physiology studies in the normal and the pathological states, and demonstrate how these same phenomena have a different sequence of procedure in the supernatural cure.

As a medical man I should not dream of making this study of supernatural facts, except for the reason that they consist of cures which are capable of clinical observation, in which the differences between normal vital phenomena and those due to supernatural intervention can be observed.

Theological Classification of Miracles. Theologians divide miracles into three classes :

(I) above nature, (II) contrary to nature, ai^d,. (Ill) "exceeding nature. A miracle of the first class is one which, quite surpasses the forces of nature : for example, the restoration to life of a dead person. A miracle of the second class is one in which the effect produced is contrary to what should have occurred according to natural law : for example, the Three Children unhurt and untouched by fire in the furnace. The third class comprises those occurrences which only surpass the forces of nature relatively, and as regards their mode of operation : to this class belong nearly all the supernatural cures, for many of these sufferers could be cured naturally, granted the appropriate remedies and the necessary time.

Assuredly the cure of organic disease suddenly effected without remedies cannot be called natural.

Now let us turn our attention particularly to a point coming directly under medical verification, namely, the instantaneity, or, in other terms, the absence of the time factor. There are certain supernatural occurrences which do not require this factor of instantaneity ; some even exclude it — for example, the fact of a person or some combustible object escaping combustion despite a long period in the flames. Here it is evident that the fact of the supernatural would be emphasized by the extension of the time factor.

If we consider the supernatural occurrences upon which medical men are more often called to give an opinion, or if we take cognizance of the cures presented during a cause of beatification or canonization, we shall note that the instantaneity of the cure, in the sense which will be explained later, is alnaost always necessary.

We say almost always because, as a matter of

fact, the supernatural might be seen in a case

not of sudden cure, but one which was otherwise

impossible; for instance, the disappearance of

/the cancer noted later on, or the restitution of

S^ sight to an eye the optic nerve of which was

\ atrophied.

The requirement in supernatural cures of this instantaneity accentuates as it were those cures which, though slow, were naturally impossible. In the cases in which the time factor is absent / or very short, there is a rapid formation of '^ physiological tissue which otherwise would have \ tdcen months to evolve, even were it then possible; this constitutes the sign and most characteristic proof of the supernatural. § Reduction to Cellular Unity,

When the phenomena of life are closely examined, it is seen that they are a summing up, a synthesis of the life of the cell. This life is . subject to natural laws, and every time that cellular life breaks through the observances of these laws it is reasonable to conclude the existence of a force outside and superseding them.

Students of physiology will remember that the cell is a microscopic body which, in unison with other cells, forms all living tissue. At its origin the human body is represented by a single cell

PHTSIOLOGT OF SUPERNATURAL ii

which possesses the singular property of containing '' in potentia " all our organs, differing as they do from one another.

The primitive cell is the result of the union of two other cells, male and female, and when these two cells unite, their coalescence causes the appearance of a cell differing essentially from the two parent cells, since it is endowed with the power of evolution — that is, it has the capacity of generating other cells having forms and properties which differ greatly from those of the parent cells. As soon as the primitive cell is constituted with its physiological properties it multiplies itself by dividing into two. The two daughter cells divide in their turn, very rapidly there is formed a small mass of cells termed the

^ embryonic cells. This is the embryo.

Soon one of these embryonic cells forms a new

^ and differentiated cell ; this is the first nerve

"^ cell, and it is endowed with special properties.

y From it arises the nervous system, by which are manifested externally the properties of the soul.

Soon after another embryonic cell forms the primitive cell of the vascular system, and again . another initiates the beginnings of the osseous and connective tissue systems. The other organs are gradually formed. When the body, the product of the embryo, is completed, this cellular life exists in all the organs ; but in order that the cell may live, it must receive from the blood the principles necessary for its growth and sustenance.

If for some reason the cell does not receive these principles, and yet, despite this fact, cellular life progresses or reappears after having disappeared, the intervention of a force other than natural is evident.

Applying these facts to the phenomena of supernatural physiology, the following scheme can be constructed, reducing all the facts to cellular unity, and to the biological phenomena v^hich take place in its protoplasm.^

My task as a medical man is to investigate the cures from the medical and physiological point of viev7. Leaving to theologians the task of classifying such in the third or, exceptionally, in /the second category, I endeavour to demonstrate how, in a certain number of well- authenticated cases, the vital phenomena effected in the cure \ do not follow the normal sequence.

reconditions Constituting Proof of the Supernatural. We may now formulate the conditions requisite to prove supernatural cure. These conditions ; are three in number.

j A minute examination shows that we can and

I ought to consider a cure as certainly supernatural I when in the same case are found united the three |. following conditions :

I. The proved existence of a serious lesion in the tissues, or a loss of substance ; for example, a wound, osseous caries, or tubercles.

II. The proved existence of cicatrization, effected either instantaneously or in a time

* This name designates the substance which constitutes the body of the living cell.

MIRACLE above Nature.

Example : — Resurrection of a dead person.

Effect of death on the cell.

Coagulation of the cell plasm.

Arrest of phenomena of assimilation.

Arrest of disassimilation.

Decomposition of protoplasm by bacteria.

Elimination of gases.

Decomposition of the mineral principles.

Complete discontinuity through arrest of life.

No cellular life.

MIRACLE

MIRACLE against Nature.

Example:— The Children in the furnace.

Effect of heat on the cell.

I St stage : — Elimination of water from the protoplasm.

Precipitation of salts which are no longer in solution.

2nd stage : — Gases set at

of mineral elements.

Formation of ashes.

Discontinuity through absence of physical conditions permitting life.

No cellular life.

MIRACLE

MIRACLE beyond Nature.

Example : — Instantanéous formation of callus or scar tissue.

Effect of the absence of the factor Time on the cell.

Phenomena of assimilation in the ceU have not had time to occur.

Nutrition and natural evolution impossible.

Discontinuity through absence of physiological conditions permitting life.

No cellular life.

MIRACLE

Cellular Ufa manifestly too short for the normal processes of cure.

III. The permanence of the cure and the re- establishment of functions for a sufficient length of time, mere amelioration being thus excluded.

We shall see later on that these three conditions are all found united in the cases here examined, and we need not hesitate to regard such cures as supernatural.

Elimination of Nervous Phenomena,

It is customary to put on one side all phenomena which are purely nervous.

The physiology and pathology of the nervous system are not yet thoroughly understood, and there is still much discussion of all that relates to hysteria*. Moreover, in this, as in many other things, the wisdom of the Church has anticipated medicine.

In his treatise, "Of the Beatification of the

Servants of God," ^ Pope Benedict XIV does not

\ wish that cures should be considered miraculous

\ which can be explained by the influence of the

nervous system.

He allows only very rarely miracles with regard to the hysterical, epileptic or paralytic. He says, with a clinical sense most unusual in one who is not a student of medicine, *' When it is a question of hysteria, it will not do to make the miracle consist in the disappearance of the

1 De Beatif. et Canon, Lib. IV, Pars. I, Cap. XIII, n. 14. Roma, 1 747-1 75 1.

PH r Slower of supernatural 15

crises, but in the cessation of the morbid state that has produced them. It is to be noticed that hysterical women are subject to natural crises which may produce an entirely normal disappearance of their illness. It will then be very difficult to hold such cases as miraculous. If sometimes the postulators of causes of beatification have tried to do so, I have never seen them succeed." This quotation definitely proves that the Church is among the first to distrust facts which are produced purely under the influence of the nervous system.