Mikkelson points out the only thing resembling Nostradamus in the present hoax is the second two lines lifted from his Century 6, Quatrain 97. I confirm from my own collection of original Nostradamus quatrains in French that the translations into English are close enough for government work:

Five and 40 steps the sky will burn.

Fire approaching the large new city.

Instantly a great thin flame will leap.

When someone will want to test the Normans.

The second and third “prophecies” of today’s hoax are a mixture of the 1990s example and new lines dreamed up to fit the World Trade Center catastrophe.

* * *

Nostradamus was born in 1502 to Jewish parents at the height of the Inquisition. The family converted to Catholicism when he was nine to avoid persecution, torture or death. Thus, he was reared in the Roman Catholic faith and became a devout adherent.

As a child, Michel was a brilliant student. He was enrolled in the best schools where at an early age be earned a doctorate degree as a physician. He built a large practice and was renowned for his innovative approach to patient care. For example, he refused to bleed his patients. The drastic technique then was a popular remedy for many health problems.

Nostradamus married a young woman whose name is not recorded. She bore him two children. During the black plague epidemic, his wife and children died. He became inordinately despondent and took to wandering from town, earning money by casting horoscopes.

A few of his astrological predictions – with generous interpretations – seemed to have foretold dire events. His fame spread. Kings and popes consulted him.

He settled down at Salon, France, and married a wealthy widow. Their home still stands as a popular tourist attraction. He devoted the rest of this life to “telling fortunes” for distinguished clients and writing his best-selling booklets.

Nostradamus died in 1566, seemingly having predicted his own death. He was buried upright in a wall of the Church of the Cordeliers at Salon. His widow, Anne, erected a splendid marble plaque to his memory.

In 1700, Nostradamus’ coffin was moved to a more prominent wall of the church. The coffin was opened to see if it also contained a secret document. It is alleged that on the breast of his skeleton there was a plaque on which was inscribed the date 1700.

* * *

Of Nostradamus’ prophesies, about 30 have been most often cited to substantiate important events. These are supposed to identify three “anti-Christ” figures who have – or will – bedevil the world.