An experiment using a prototype setup to search for the neutron electric dipole moment by measuring spin rotation in a non-centrosymmetric crystal (quartz) was carried out to investigate statistical sensitivity and systematic effects of the method. It has been demonstrated that the concept of the method works. The preliminary result of the experiment is dn = (2.5 ± 6.5) × 10- 24 e cm. The experiment showed that an accuracy of ~ 2.5 × 10- 26 e cm can be obtained in 100 days data taking, using available quartz crystals and neutron beams. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.