A cure for miracles

Abstract

"I n this issue we publish, in the tolerant space of The Left Atrium, some reflections on miracles (page 382). One of these, an anecdotal account of a spontaneous remission of mitral valve disease, had a rough ride in our editorial offices, where we are inclined to doubt any attribution of a cure to divine intervention. Yet in the popular language of medicine the word “miracle” is used readily enough. We use it when we speak of scientific breakthroughs, impressive new treatments and unexpected observations. Whether the genuine article really exists, it is the apparently miraculous finding that provides the keenest impetus to science."