The history of the EAOG in relation to the development of organic geochemistry

In recent years several papers have been devoted to aspects of the history of organic geochemistry (see Appendix A). Given the publication of one of these in this Proceedings Issue of the IMOG, the official meeting of the European Association of Organic Geochemists (EAOG), it seemed worthwhile to add some personal memories, especially in relation to the foundation of that organization, an effort in which I was personally involved. The foundation of EAOG cannot be seen as separate from the development of organic geochemistry as an independent scientific discipline. This paper therefore addresses some of these related issues and provides some general references to relevant literature.