I was just telling my students in Kazakhstan about when I climbed Ben Vrackie in the 1990s. We are studying antibiotics.
Around 1997, I was diagnosed with impetigo, caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The doctor took a swab to test the pathogen for antibiotic resistance, but prescribed me with penicillin applied externally. I was about to head off on my Summer trip to the Highlands, heading for Barra,up through the western Isles, across to Ullapool, north to visit Cape Wrath, along the north coast to John o' Groats before heading south down the A9.
I applied the penicillin daily as per instructions but it did not go away. It was not getting any worse, but it was not getting any better either.
I stopped off on my way south to climb Ben Vrackie. There was a steady breeze, with patches of cloud on the western slopes and sunshine to the southeast [morning]. At the summit, I could see the most impressive brocken spectres, and furthermore, the ghost at the centre approached me at pace and merged with my body! Basically the reverse of your spirit leaving your body when you die. I am a scientist and have a vague understand of the physics behind the phenomenon, including diffraction. I can appreciate why a faithful young girl, Bernadette, in Lourdes, might interpret her vision/brocken spectre as being the Virgin Mary.
I don't thinkmy brockenspectre could be interpreted as a visionof the Virgin Mary!
As I say, I am a scientist, but my impetigo was gone within 48 hours. Was it a miracle or did it just take time for the antibiotic to work? Perhaps people should hike up bare footed [like Croagh Patrick] and visit Saint Yorjick's grotto or shrine?
But remember! "
"A casual correlation does not imply causation""
