The STORY of Aromathérapie : A Rediscovery
On July 25, 1910, while working in his laboratory, René-Maurice Gattefossé (father of aromatherapy) gave birth to a new science after he badly burned his arm and was miraculously cured by the use of lavender oil. He was a chemical engineer who forayed into determined reseach and re discovered the world of Aromathérapie again for all of us.
full story and source
But the art of using Essential oils is as old as the Civilization itself. Ancient Egyptians have used aromatic oils as early as 5000 BC in cosmetics and ointments.