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Dr Slade: spirit writing trial
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Dr Slade: spirit writing trial
Sketches of the trial of Henry Slade, showing Slade in the centre. Slade first practised his spirit communication in America before travelling to England where he gave seances from his lodgings in Russell Square, London. Word spread quickly of his talents and stirred the attention of two professionals, Mr Lankester and Dr Donkin. After two seances Professor Lankester seized the slate and discovered that the slate already had writing on it before it had left the table. Lankester used this as evidence that Slade was a fraud. Henry Slades trial took place at Bow Street court in October 1876
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Media ID 4375518
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10218246
1876 Attention Communication Discovered Donkin Evidence Fraud Gave Lankester Lodgings Practised Professionals Professor Quickly Russell Seances Seized Sketches Slade Slate Spirit Spread Talents Travelling Trial Word Stirred
EDITORS COMMENTS
This historical print captures the intense trial of Dr. Henry Slade, a controversial figure known for his spirit writing abilities. The sketches depict the scene at Bow Street court in October 1876, with Slade at the center of attention. Originally practicing his communication with spirits in America, Slade gained notoriety after traveling to England and holding seances from his lodgings in Russell Square, London.
The trial was sparked by the suspicions of two professionals, Mr. Lankester and Dr. Donkin, who attended Slade's seances and were quick to accuse him of fraud. During one session, Professor Lankester seized a slate only to discover that it already had writing on it before leaving the table - damning evidence against Slade's supposed supernatural abilities.
The case stirred public attention and became an important moment in history as it raised questions about spiritualism and deception. Despite claims of talent and genuine connection with spirits, Henry Slade faced scrutiny and skepticism during this pivotal moment captured in these detailed sketches.
This print serves as a reminder of a fascinating chapter in Victorian history when belief in the paranormal clashed with scientific inquiry, leaving behind a legacy of intrigue and controversy surrounding Dr. Henry Slade's spirit writing trial.
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