These engraved copper plates were used to print illustrations for Histoire Naturelle et Generale des Colibris, Oiseaux-Mouches, Jacamars et Peomerops, by J. B. Audebert and L. P. Vieillot, Paris, 1802. Prince Maximillian de Wied, when he stopped in New Harmony in 1832, noted that William Maclure had there, the plates of all of Audebert and Vieillot's ornithological work. These plates apparently came to the Academy with Maclure's library in 1835. The disposition of the rest of the collection of plates is unknown. In his introduction to volume I of this work the publisher gives credit to Audebert as the artist and person responsible for innovations in publishing colored works so that the luster of the iridescent feathers could be shown. Vieillot was apparently the research worker who supplied the text and information.