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

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Phases of Opposition ; Spiritualism and A rt ; and a Problem for Conjurers. 1 9
For through Eglinton I have received the proof that Zollner, who was the first in Germany to
have courage to speak of these slate-writings, discovered a grand truth, and that all his
opponents who have neither read nor seen anything in this domain are in the wrong.''
During Mr. Eglinton's residence in Vienna he had twenty-three seances, every one of
which was eminently successful, only two 01 them being given at his hotel. Among those
attending these seances were the Baron and Baroness Drasche, Prince Auersperg, Prince and
Princess Trautmansdorff, Count Esterhazy, Count Lemberg, Prince Lemberg, Count Meklenburgh,
Count and Countess Traun, Marquis and Marchioness Pallavicini, Count Jennison, Count Csaky,
Prince Batthyany, Countess Kuhnborg, Heinrich and Madame Max (Max-Eherler, the celebrated
painter), Count and Countess Harrach, and many others of note.
One remarkable materialisation seance took place at Baron Drasche's, Mr. Eglinton being
held by Baron du Prel and the Baroness Drasche. On this occasion the materialised form
went to the extreme end of a large room. These and other equally satisfactory results all
tended to extend public interest and confidence in Spiritualism, and Mr. Eglinton left Vienna
on the 19th March, having been the means of giving a great and lasting impetus to the movement.
In view of the opposition and prejudice which existed against Spiritualism in consequence of
previous events, Mr. Eglinton exhibited considerable pluck in going to Vienna at all, and deserves
congratulation for the unparalleled success he achieved. An engagement had been made for him
with the Crown Prince, but he was much disappointed at the event not coming off, in consequence
of urgent State affairs preventing Prince Rudolph keeping the appointment.
From Vienna he went to Venice, and there gave several seances with great success. These
were attended by the Princess Metternich, Count Esterhazy, Prince Chetwertinski, and many
others. He afterwards discovered Venice is a veritable hotbed of Spiritualism, and that meetings
are regularly held there, an account of some of which appeared in a recent number of the
St. James's Gazette. From Venice his route lay by Milan to Basle, and from thence to Paris,
where he was again the guest of M. Pilo.
Mr. Eglinton was naturally very-proud of his successful tour, made under spiritual direction,
in the face of much adverse counsel, and he returned to London, where he has since remained,
giving seances with renewed success, but it is his intention shortly to visit Russia and Australia,
thus putting a girdle round the world.