The claims
Each entry pairs a reported miracle with the documentary record and an honest, confidence-labeled estimate of how likely it is that no natural explanation accounts for it.
2 claims
2% authenticStrong natural explanation
In 1762, a supposed haunting at a lodging house on Cock Lane, London -- attributed to the spirit of a murdered woman -- was investigated by a committee including Samuel Johnson and exposed as a fraud perpetrated by a young girl and her father.
Disprovenapparition·Cock Lane, Smithfield, London, England
The Cock Lane Ghost
In 1762, a supposed haunting at a lodging house on Cock Lane, London -- attributed to the spirit of a murdered woman -- was investigated by a committee including Samuel Johnson and exposed as a fraud perpetrated by a young girl and her father.
9% authentic
Strong natural explanation
Beginning in 1727, pilgrims at the tomb of Jansenist deacon Francois de Paris in the Saint-Medard cemetery reported miraculous cures and fell into violent convulsions; the phenomenon attracted thousands and became David Hume's chosen test case for miracle testimony.
Explainedhealing·Saint-Medard cemetery, Paris, France
The Jansenist Convulsionnaires of Saint-Medard
Beginning in 1727, pilgrims at the tomb of Jansenist deacon Francois de Paris in the Saint-Medard cemetery reported miraculous cures and fell into violent convulsions; the phenomenon attracted thousands and became David Hume's chosen test case for miracle testimony.