First description of Archaeopteryx based on a feather

Background. Christian Erich Hermann von Meyer issued a work entitled Palaeologica in 1832 and went on to publish memoirs on fossil remains, including the earliest bird Archaeopteryx lithographica (1861). His researches on the reptiles of the Lithographic slates were embodied in his great work Zur Fauna der Vorwelt (1845–1860). Structures such as feathers were unknown from the Late Jurassic before 1860–61, making the discovery of the feather significant.

Feather Description. The initial discovery was a single feather, unearthed in 1860 or 1861 and described in 1861 by Christian Erich Hermann von Meyer. Von Meyer published his official description in April 1862, expressing doubt about its exact age and affinity. The identity of the feather has been controversial.

Skeleton Discovery. In September 1861, von Meyer wrote to the Neues Jahrbuch about being informed of a nearly-complete skeleton from the same lithographic shale deposits. This skeleton, known as the London Specimen, was unearthed near Langenaltheim. It was perhaps given to local physician Karl Häberlein in return for medical services.