'Twixt two worlds : a narrative of the life and work of William Eglinton

CHAPTER XVI.
EVIDENCE FOR INDEPENDENT MIND-ACTION IN PSYCHOGRAPHY.
NOW come to several cases which appear to indicate very clearly the
action of some mind outside of that of any person visibly present,
i.e., either the medium or the sitters. The cases quoted are representative
of a class, and, did space permit, there are many similar instances which
could be adduced.
The first is one recorded by Mr. C. C. Massey, whose evidence is
corroborated by Mr. H. J. Hood (barrister-at-law), and the Hon. Roden Noel, all of whom,
except Mr. Hood, have been previously referred to.
On Wednesday the 23rd April, 1884, Mr. Roden Noel, Mr. H. J. Hood, and myself
met at Mr. Eglinton's rooms for a psychographic seance. I shall not give a minute account
of the conditions under which the writing was obtained. Suffice it to say that we were
all three quite satisfied that any surreptitious agency of the medium, change of slate, etc.,
was out of the question. The special interest of the phenomenon centred in the fact that
the writing purported to come from a living person, with a descriptive but otherwise
anonymous signature. We sat for about an hour without any result, the medium complaining
of a strange and unpleasant influence. Then the writing came suddenly, and with
a rush of force. The slate, being slowly drawn out from beneath the edge of the table, was
seen to be covered with writing in two entirely distinct characters. The first part consisted
of twenty lines, closely written, but very clear and legible, the formation of some of the
letters being peculiar. The second part (seven lines and the signature " Ernest ") is all
that I can transcribe for publication. It is as follows :— " We have purposely given up to
the writer the poiver of giving you tin's communication, but we do not necessarily endorse his
statements or his abusiveness.— Ernest." In fact, the upper message was of an extremely
scandalous character. On the following day, the same party were present, and again the medium
complained of the influence of the day before. A new manifestation was in store for us.
Mr. Eglinton having laid one slate upon another on the table, and both his hands upon
them, in sight of us all, became much agitated (physically) and, after a spasm of unusual
force, withdrew his hands, and the upper slate being removed by him there was seen upon