 Bertrand Russell Quotes 366 |
Belief in the efficacy of relics increased throughout the Middle Ages, and is still not extinct. ... Belief in relics often survives exposure. For example, the bones of St. Rosalia, which are preserved in Palermo, have for many centuries been found effective in curing disease ; but when examined by a profane anatomist they turned out to be the bones of a goat. Nevertheless the cures continued.
Source: Religion and Science, 1935, by Bertrand Russell, chapter 4: Demonology and Medicine
More info.: https://russell-j.com/beginner/RS1935_04-020.HTM