ABSTRACT
The period when essential oils were used rst on an industrial scale is difcult to identify. The nineteenth century is generally regarded as the commencement of the modern phase of industrial application of essential oils. However, the large-scale usage of essential oils dates back to ancient Egypt. In 1480 bc, Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt sent an expedition to the country of Punt (now Somalia) to collect fragrant plants, oils, and resins as ingredients for perfumes, medicaments, and avors and for the mummication of bodies. Precious fragrances have been found in many Egyptian archeological excavations, as a symbol of wealth and social position.
